Sr. Project Manager - Product Introduction and Innovation

Job Title: Sr. Project Manager Product Introduction and Innovation

Location: Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full Time

Overview:

This role involves overseeing the journey of new products from concept to shelf within the North America Region. You will be at the forefront of managing the product approval process for innovation projects, including the establishment of a comprehensive project database to track charters, approvals, and dashboards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a new commercialization process and workflow tool.
• Oversee the end-to-end commercialization process, ensuring products progress from concept to shelf.
• Create and maintain RACI documentation; lead training sessions for cross-functional teams.
• Develop and communicate project priorities to team members.
• Present monthly reports on commercialization process KPIs to senior leaders.
• Collaborate with teams to create project timelines and effectively communicate updates to all stakeholders.
• Facilitate issue resolution, remove roadblocks, and manage scope changes.
• Drive alignment among cross-functional teams, including leadership, marketing, sales, supply chain, and R&D.
• Lead discussions on feasibility, launch, and project lifecycles with key stakeholders.
• Ensure products are launched on time and within specifications.
• Maintain a centralized project pipeline database.
• Work closely with R&D to ensure product development meets market needs and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to troubleshoot production issues.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to avoid launch delays.
• Coordinate with IT to implement process automation.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in a commercialization function, with a minimum of 5 years leading new product launches in Food Product Manufacturing.
• Proven ability to manage and collaborate with teams and cross-functional associates.
• Strong project management skills, including proficiency in MS Project or similar tools.
• Familiarity with Salesforce and workflow tools preferred.
• Working knowledge of product manufacturing and supply chain processes.
• PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Strong focus on simplification and process improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage diverse personality types.
• Self-starter with a track record of delivering results independently.
• Experience in navigating matrixed, global organizations.
• Ability to manage through influence and drive accountability within cross-functional teams.
• Experience with trials at pilot plants or manufacturing processes is preferred.