Job Summary:
The Product Lifecycle Manager is responsible for overseeing and driving the successful execution of large-scale projects throughout the product lifecycle within our food manufacturing facility. This role will focus on end-to-end project management, including planning, coordinating cross-functional activities, resource allocation, budgeting, and ensuring on-time delivery of projects related to production processes, facility improvements, product launches, and efficiency improvements.
The Product Lifecycle Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams including Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing, Quality Assurance, and other departments to ensure all initiatives and deliverables meet organizational goals and regulatory standards. This role serves as the owner of assigned projects, maintaining visibility throughout each stage of the project lifecycle and coordinating activities as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with business objectives, priorities, and timelines.
- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and budgets, monitoring progress and adjusting as needed.
- Own assigned projects from initiation to completion, ensuring all stages of the project are tracked and completed.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, deliverables, timelines, and resource needs.
- Coordinate and organize activities across departments to ensure project deliverables and deadlines are completed according to established timelines.
- Identify and mitigate risks that could affect project scope, schedule, or costs.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards, industry regulations, and internal quality controls throughout project execution.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to project teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Communicate regularly with stakeholders, providing updates on project status, milestones, and potential challenges.
- Facilitate problem-solving and decision-making processes with team members and senior management.
- Manage external vendors and contractors as needed for project implementation.
- Drive process optimization and efficiency improvements through project initiatives.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, schedules, and status updates using project management software.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of project management and product launch experience, preferably within the food manufacturing industry.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Project Management, or a related field; PMP certification preferred.
- Experience with product commercialization processes.
- Strong knowledge of food production processes, regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA), and quality assurance protocols.
- Proven track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
- Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, etc.).
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
