Project Manager - CandyCo LLC

Job purpose

CandyCo is searching for a Project Manager with experience managing manufactured food projects for retailers. The ideal candidate will have experience working within retailer portals, 1WorldSync, and ERP systems. The Project Manager is responsible for the management, organization and control of key projects from inception to completion. Projects may range from new product launches, packaging design updates, regulatory changes, and customer maintenance. This fast-paced position will work with both internal and external stakeholders to facilitate successful deployment of projects, meeting strict deadlines and raising issues as needed. This role is key to meeting the organization's goals for ensuring speed to market with a high-degree of finesse and efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities

• PM is the quarterback of the team for his/her projects. The PM will lead, collaborate and deliver the successful, and on time, execution of projects. This role is highly collaborative, working closely with Sales, R&D, Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, Quality and others.
• For each project the PM will develop a project brief and roadmap to execute the project in the quickest possible time, meeting all the customer and consumer and internal expectations of the project.
• The PM will cross-train and back-up other PMs as necessary, learning the key players and execution processes for customers and/or plants that fall outside of their normal PM scope.
• He/she is able to see the big picture, while getting into the details and executing.
• Develop detailed project briefs/roadmaps with defined timelines, dependencies, owner of activities and resource requirements
• Assign the project team and work with them to control project changes, minimize risk, and generate maximum team performance, keeping all accountable for their assigned work
• Effectively communicate project expectations to team members and stakeholders, and lead project update meetings, maintain timelines, resource utilization, and prepare project reports
• Manage and adjust team activities to meet key milestones
• Responsible for packaging reviewal and approval by QA/Maintenance/Ops
• Responsible for regulatory and artwork reviewal and approval process
• Managing QA verifications/validations/and customers processes
• Manage the equipment ordering/delivery/installation
• Work with procurement to get delivery dates on ingredients/packaging
• Manage delivery of ingredients/packaging
• Responsible for new item setup
• Manage tactical items such as product spec sheet, BOM, batch sheet/formula and UPC generation processes
• Responsible for codes dates/pallet tags/labeling
• Managing coordination of scheduling
• Oversee customer visits/trials
• Manage/adhere to customer expectation on external due dates for all aspects of the project which include new item set-up, design, QA and logistics
• Communication with customer on pre-production/production/shipping expectations
• Managing sample execution for customer
• Training on product and packaging components and spec review with operators, plant quality, line leads
• Responsible for launch day execution, coordinating with R&D, QA, and Production
• Liaison between consultants, graphics, suppliers, customer and internal teams
• Identify and resolve conflict and mitigate issues quickly
• In the spirit of continuous improvement, conduct post completion project reviews to identify successes and opportunities, management effectiveness and project success
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• On-site required
• Minimum BA/BS required
• 3+ years of experience in project management or operational lead within the food industry
• Action oriented, with a strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet aggressive deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge and experience with design companies, such as: Schawk, Equator, Sun Branding and Periscope
• Knowledge and experience with retailer portals, such as: Prospec, 1 WorldSync, POL
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in MS Office Applications
• Proficient with packaging die lines, printers, proofing while supporting cross-functional teams each key deliverable

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work any/all shifts as directed
• Must be able to work overtime as necessary, including Holidays and/or weekends
• Standing/walking for long period of time
• Must be an avid Safety Champion and adhere to all safety programs and procedures

Physical Requirements

• A non-slip resistant work shoe
• Must be able to work all shifts as directed.
• Pre-shift stretch and exercises to be performed
• Hair restraint, beard net (if needed), and Safety gloves as needed
• All required PPEs are worn properly when working with equipment or chemicals that require personal protection
• Position requires the ability to: stand, sit at a desk, walking around the facility, lifting and carrying up t0 50-LBS unassisted, reaching, kneeling, crawling, and twisting
• Also requires the ability to: see, hear, and communicate with associates as well as others by utilizing professional etiquette

Direct Report

• VP of Business Development