Senior Project Manager - InnovationReports to: Director, PMO
Location: Evanston, IL (Hybrid)
Role SummaryThe Senior Project Manager - Innovation is a critical member of the Ornua Foods North America PMO team. This role is essential to driving Kerrygold's continued growth through consumer-centric innovation and operational improvement initiatives. The Senior Project Manager leads cross-functional teams to deliver new products and business capabilities with excellence, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and organizational priorities.
Key Areas of Responsibility- End-to-End Project Leadership: Lead the delivery of high-impact innovation and operational projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with strategic brand and business objectives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive cross-functional teams - including R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial - to deliver innovation at pace, balancing speed-to-market with quality and compliance.
- Project Planning & Governance: Develop robust project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk frameworks using best-in-class CPG project management methodologies and tools.
- Agile Ways of Working: Champion agile methodologies, fostering a culture of experimentation, rapid learning, and continuous improvement.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage and influence senior stakeholders, translating strategic objectives into actionable project plans and measurable deliverables.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify barriers to project success and lead mitigation strategies to maintain momentum and delivery excellence.
- Communication & Reporting: Ensure clear communication throughout the project lifecycle, tailoring messaging for diverse audiences from production teams to executive leadership.
- Change Leadership & Coaching: Support and coach team members and people managers through change, building capability for innovation and resilience.
- Process Excellence: Share best practices and help standardize innovation processes across the business.
- Governance & Support: Provide structured governance, reporting, and coaching for innovation projects in line with business requirements.
Key Requirements- 6+ years of Project Management experience, ideally within CPG or a fast-paced consumer brand environment, with a proven track record in innovation delivery.
- PMP or comparable Project Management certification preferred.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership of large-scale transformation, new product development, or change management programs.
- Proven ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and influence at all organizational levels.
- Highly collaborative, with a passion for creating and delivering consumer-centric innovation.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive cross-functional solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences and influence key decisions.
- Comfortable with both hands-on project execution and strategic leadership responsibilities.
- Positive, entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for delivering business value through innovation.
- Willingness to travel as required to support project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
Key Attributes- RIGOUR: Demonstrates excellence in project execution, analysis, decision-making, and continuous improvement.
- FORWARD-LOOKING: Leads teams through change, anticipates trends, and contributes to competitive strategy.
- OWNERSHIP: Takes accountability for delivery, quality, and sustainable growth; recognizes and rewards success.
- WORKING TOGETHER: Fosters an inclusive, collaborative, innovative culture across the organization.
BenefitsTotal Rewards at Ornua Foods North America include a competitive salary and annual bonus scheme. Additional benefits include low-cost Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage; 401(k); Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; flexible working; Fitness Reimbursement; Charity Donation; complimentary Kerrygold products; free parking and secure bicycle storage; free healthy snacks and drinks in the office; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; and Service Awards. The salary range for this role is $114,000 to $130,000 and the candidate will be offered a salary commensurate with their level of experience.
