Operations Project Manager
SUMMARY: Product Supply Project Manager - Innovation is responsible for the coordination and completion of projects including new product roll-outs, end-of-lifes, packaging changes and other miscellaneous functional process implementations within the Innovation Category. The Product Supply Project Manager is a representative of the Innovation Category team in Stagegate, Packaging and Purchased Items Teams, acts as the administrator and communicator between Marketing, Sales, RD, Operations and external suppliers. Working directly with Marketing Project Managers, the Product Supply Project Manager involves the appropriate stakeholders and dependant parties from project concept stage through product and process specifications to implementation and after-launch analysis and reporting of projects. This position manages projects professionally, developing and maintaining a guiding plan that defines clearly the project purpose, scope, deliverables, relevant tasks, dependencies and predecessors, deadlines, assignments, resources required, and monitors and summarizes progress of project, including costs/capital incurred and values achieved. Projects managed will be specific to food processing/manufacturing environments and new product development, market introductions, and assessment/coordination of internal/external manufacturing. Managing multiple projects will be the norm. This position works closely with and leads, motivates and directs work through cross-matrix teaming. Cross-functional environment with valuable input from a broad base of various departments internally and externally to the supply chain group is a critical element of the operating culture. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct reports. Influencing cross-matrix working skills are essential to assign and supervise the effective completion of tasks with project teams and individuals that report directly to other supervisors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Acting as principal liaison with Marketing Brand Managers and Category leadership on projects that affect and involve production, planning, purchasing and RD departments.
· Clearly defining scope and objectives of projects.
· Eliciting and enrolling key stakeholders to provide valuable input and direction to projects.
· Nurturing innovation, diligence, creativity and problem solving amongst the project teams to develop the best ideas and results.
· Identifying tasks and assigning resources, and managing project plans and checklists to successfully complete tasks to meet agreed upon deadlines.
· Clearly identifying task predecessors, critical paths, and required resources to ensure smooth project progress.
· Managing project timelines and reporting to accurately communicate project status.
· Accurate tracking of project financial commitments to budget, and managing projects to within approved guidelines.
· Facilitate all interdepartmental work on projects, keeping the team on task.
· Monitor and track various components of each project, ensuring success against objectives.
· Evaluate success of projects, and recommend path to optimization.
· Analyze performance data and research to understand, identify and recommend opportunities and new growth projects.
· As assigned, serve as department expert for specific tactics, processes, and programs.
OTHER NECESSARY FUNCTIONS:
· Follows all policies, procedures, ergonomic standards and safety requirements directed by GMCR and the department.
· Performs other duties as requested by management.