Job Summary:The Global PMO Foods R&D team enables visibility and management of complex projects and programs across multiple teams and sectors. The R&D Project Manager will support large, complex Foods R&D portfolios by applying technical expertise and coordinating cross-functional teams, including Sectors, Function teams, Sensory, and Regulatory, to deliver projects on time, in full, and on budget while maintaining quality controls. This role supports the PMO's goal of becoming a center of excellence for project execution in Foods R&D.
Key Responsibilities:Support project kickoff and set overall direction by clarifying objectives, scope, milestones, deliverables, and resource requirements with project leaders and teams.Facilitate scope definition and implement change control measures to minimize scope creep.Establish project governance and ways of working, including meeting cadence, documentation, communication, and roles/responsibilities. Coach teams on project management best practices.Organize and facilitate project meetings, prepare agendas, document minutes, track actions, and escalate issues as needed.Promote collaborative team behaviors, ask critical technical questions, and anticipate potential impacts.Build and maintain detailed project workplans and timelines; identify and manage dependencies to optimize workflows.Engage and communicate effectively with stakeholders across global and regional teams at key project stages. Prepare materials for Stage Gate governance and decision-making forums.Manage project risks, issues, and dependencies through assessment, mitigation planning, workshops, and ongoing monitoring. Support resolution and escalation processes.Track project deliverables, KPIs, and status using project management tools. Ensure consistent reporting aligned with stakeholder needs. Capture and share lessons learned to improve future projects.Qualifications:Education and Experience:- Bachelor's or Master's degree (preferred) in STEM or related field.
- 5 to 7 years' experience in Food Industry or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) R&D environment.
- Experience with product/process development, commercialization, optimization, or productivity improvement.
- Cross-regional/global team coordination experience preferred, ideally with exposure to multiple food/snacking formats.
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echnical Skills:Proficiency with project management tools such as MS Project, Planner, Smartsheet, and Timeline Pro (preferred).Familiarity with PMI methodology and PMP certification (or eligibility) is a plus.Strong understanding of product development or similar science and technology development processes.Ability to analyze and interpret complex R&D technical data and timelines to inform project planning.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms like Teams.Co
re Competencies:Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional and leadership engagement.Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently with urgency.Agile learner with a positive can do" attitude and intellectual curiosity.Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to build networks and navigate complex organizations.Collaborative team player with ability to bring diverse teams together across time zones and locations.Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced, evolving environment.Innovative, strategic thinker who can translate strategy into actionable project plans. Education: Bachelors Degree
Certification: Project Management Professional
