Project Manager

About the role

This position will lead complex, cross-functional projects from initial customer opportunity and project definition through product development, application validation, customer approval, scale-up, and commercialization. The role will proactively identify risks and dependencies, manage critical paths, drive cross-functional alignment, and ensure projects progress efficiently to meet customer and business needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project management for strategic customer and Innovation projects globally
• Establish scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, and success criteria for each project
• Build project plans and critical paths aligning Sales, Applications, Product Development, Regulatory, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Operations across regions
• Lead kickoffs; define roles, responsibilities, and decision rights
• Identify risks, dependencies, and resource constraints before they cause delays
• Facilitate resolution of cross-functional and cross-regional challenges; escalate when needed
• Maintain visibility into the global Innovation project portfolio and pipeline
• Establish standardized PM processes, governance, and stage-gate practices across regions
• Ensure alignment with customer expectations, commercial priorities, and global Innovation strategy

Key Success Measures

• Improved on-time execution of strategic customer and Innovation projects
• Faster progression of customer projects from initial opportunity through commercialization
• Improved cross-functional alignment and accountability across technical, commercial, sourcing, supply chain, and operations teams
• Increased visibility of project status, risks, dependencies, supply constraints, and resource needs
• Reduced project delays caused by unclear ownership or cross-functional dependencies
• Improved identification and management of sourcing, supply, and operational risks early in the project lifecycle
• Improved prioritization and execution of the US Innovation project portfolio
• Successful execution of strategic natural color conversion and customer innovation initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Business, or a related field
• 7+ years of project management experience, preferably within food ingredients, natural colors, food & beverage, consumer products, R&D, or a related B2B industry
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional projects involving technical, commercial, and operational stakeholders
• Experience working with customers and managing projects from development through commercialization
• Experience collaborating with R&D, Product Development, Applications, Regulatory, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Operations, or Commercial functions
• Strong organizational, planning, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Experience with project management tools and systems
• PMP certification or equivalent project management training preferred

Benefits

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance
• Financial Security: A retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and bonus program
• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year
• Engagement in the Workplace: Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations
• Growth & Empowerment: A collaborative culture that encourages career growth and professional development opportunities