What are the responsibilities and job description for the Innovation Project Manager position at Rana Meal Solutions?
Purpose of Position
Our Innovation Project Manager will support the development and execution of short- and long-term- innovation strategies across all Channels in the US and Canada (Retail, Club, Convenience & Foodservice), working in close collaboration with both the technical and the commercial communities of the Company (R&D, Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Quality & Food Safety, as well as Marketing, Sales, Finance…) and our Vendors’ network.
Key Responsibilities
- New item development:
- Contribute to write the R&D briefs, including product design, pricing, and packaging (primary and secondary)
- Review volume forecast for all new item projects
- Attend bi-weekly new item meetings by Channel
- Work with a cross-functional team to bring new items to market
- Co-lead (with Marketing) new item development of new US & Canada line extensions
- Co-lead (with Marketing) the expansion into new categories/formats and brands
- Support Marketing and Sales to build Customer sell-in decks for new item projects
- Ensure all projects are launched on time
- New category development:
- Assess our Right-To-Win in categories of potential interest for the Company
- Monitor activities/competitive landscape (product & packaging innovations) in these categories
- Uncover insights to aid in new category/item development
- Physical packaging development (primary and secondary):
- Work with Marketing Packaging Services and Procurement to develop new packaging structures as needed
- Work in the plant with Manufacturing and Supply Chain on packaging (primary and secondary) technical feasibility and stability
- This role has also an external focus component:
- Help in the preparation of our main Trade shows (Chicago NRA show…) and participate to these shows
- Attend some Customer calls in support of Sales
Key Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree
- 10 years’ experience in Project Management mandatory (preferably Marketing, Product Innovation, Packaging)
- Experience with Consumer-Packaged Goods industry required
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Strong communication (verbal and written), presentation and interpersonal skills required
- Fluent in Italian strongly recommended. Proficient in Spanish would be a plus
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Preferred
- Collaborative with the ability to work independently
- Strong ability to prioritize, deal with project complexity and manage time pressure appropriately
- Cultural agility: can work with a wide diversity of individuals inside & outside the organization and maintain regular contact with all stakeholders
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Commute:
- Bartlett, IL 60103 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bartlett, IL 60103: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person