SUMMARY

Seeking a Product / Project Manager for a food manufacturer and distributor of food and beverage products. This position will manage projects from kick-off to post-launch review for new product development to continuous improvement. The heart of the role is an experienced cross-functional team leader who understands the different teams' roles and shepherd projects through the critical path. This individual will be responsible for driving team success from benchtop to production, working in lockstep with the other department managers. Position is in the Los Angeles, CA area!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• This individual is supported in their deliverables by Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, QA, Engineering/Maintenance, and the Culinary and R&D teams.
• Will preferably have direct experience in the food manufacturing industry and must have direct experience in leading cross-functional teams in project management.
• This is not an entry level position and at least 5 years of experience is required to be successful in this role.
• Lead cross-functional teams in delivering projects from concept to shelf including defining scope, identifying stakeholders, planning time and resources, executing plan, monitoring progress, identifying issues, communicating updates to all levels, and conducting post launch reviews.
• Responsible for driving timelines and deliverables by collaborating with team resources.
• Plan and lead cross-functional team meetings.
• Identify issues as they arise and facilitate resolutions within the project team.
• Lead preparation of comprehensive project documentation to enable smooth development, commercialization, and market entry.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college, either arts or sciences is acceptable.
• Min 5 years' experience in food CPG or manufacturing, managing product launches.
• Strong computer skills and technological savvy are essential.
• Project lifecycle management experience in a CPG company
• Knowledge of food processing and the CPG industry
• Excellent organizational skills and time management
• Ability to bring out the best in fellow team members and display leadership qualities • Thorough understanding of stage-gates, critical paths, cross-functional roles.
• Timeline and product lifecycle management
• Minimal travel may be required.
• The individual will handle and is exposed to common food allergens and sensitive materials, such as soy, wheat, gluten, dairies, seafood, nuts, sulfites, etc.