Job Description:The Regional Activity Manager (AM) position is accountable for the successful delivery of innovation and productivity projects for Mars Food brands Ben's Original, Seeds of Change and Tasty Bite in North America (NA). Projects can include new item launches, new packs & sizes, recipe changes, price/weight changes, displays and artwork design changes. This role manages launch execution across key projects in Food segments largest market (NA) and specifically leads $1-5M NSV projects from start to launch. This role leads cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and using excellent project management skills to manage the activities through the stage-gate process. The AM also ensures excellence in execution by managing all launch preparations including artwork, data, material transitions and risk management. This is a pivotal role that supports over $10M GSV growth each calendar year.
The Regional Activity Manager works with tools & processes established by the Global Activity Management team including the QuEST stage gate process and the PPM project management tool. The RAM also uses tools such as MS Project and Workflow to create project timelines, ensure project teams complete their tasks on time and escalate risks. The Regional AM leads or facilitates cross-functional project team meetings, communicates status to stakeholders and supports troubleshooting.
What are we looking for?- Ideally some form of Project Management Certification (e.g. PMP Certification, Agile Project Management Certification
- Years of working experience 3+
- Years of project management 3-5
- Experience in project and/or process management in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Previous job experience in one of the core business dimensions (e.g. Supply Chain, R&D, Marketing, Commercial)
- Action oriented with strong planning & problem-solving skills
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English
- Good peer relationship and conflict management skills to enable & build effective teams
- Ability to influence without authority and build effective teams
What will be your key responsibilities?The role is part of the North America Activity Management team based in Chicago and is a project manager for regional innovation and productivity projects, including timelines, risks management and the artwork process for all initiatives for the Region. The role has regular contact with members of both the NA and global activity management teams and partners with a broad range of functions including Marketing, Supply and R&D to ensure excellence in execution for all new product/pack launches and updates. As the Regional Activity Manager you are responsible for leading the artwork process, act as the key connection point between our market teams and factories for new launches as well as supporting cost savings and co-man projects.
Project Management
- Drive for results, building and leading effective project teams, and problem solving while managing or supporting projects such as new item launches, new packs & sizes, recipe changes, price/weight changes within the agreed time frame to first production.
- Lead the cross-functional teams to prepare stage-gate documents for review/approval at local/regional Step Meetings and support/lead all required tasks for first production readiness.
- Lead the artwork process and invoice management across all North American projects of all packaging design and/or copy changes by collaborating with international agencies for graphics and production, Marketing, R&D and Commercial.
- Develop collaborative relationships across all stakeholder and project teams using organizational agility & conflict management skills to proactively manage and mitigate issues. Communicate with key stakeholder communities ensuring transparency to project status, issues and recommendations.
- The RAM considers the implications of the projects for which they are responsible for on the full portfolio of projects running across the region, looking for opportunities to combine work to reduce cost and complexity.
- Be the functional expert on stage-gate process & supporting software tool. Establish new users, lead training and address process questions to drive efficiency and effectiveness
- Manage activities through the product data workflow process to ensure master data for the new/modified product is available on time for planning, supply chain and customers.
- Focus on continuous improvement across all elements of the activity management process; project teams, artwork, data, stage-gate process and related tools.
What can you expect from Mars?- Work with over 170,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
- Join a purpose driven company, where we are striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 82,748.00 - USD 113,779.00
