Project Manager - Drive Big Projects Behind Our Chocolate Production
hace 3 días
Lindon
Job Description CandyCo is seeking a highly organized, client-facing, and execution-driven Project Manager to lead and coordinate manufactured food projects for major brands. Acting as the "quarterback" of the project lifecycle, you will own initiatives from concept through launch-whether it's a new product, packaging update, regulatory change, or customer-driven request. You'll be at the center of it all-aligning timelines, managing deliverables, steering communication, and ensuring every project moves smoothly across Sales, R&D, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and our customers. Your work directly impacts our speed-to-market, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. If you know your way around retailer portals (Walmart, Target, Amazon), 1WorldSync, ERP systems, and packaging workflows-and you thrive in a fast-moving, detail-rich environment-you'll shine here. Duties & ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination * Serve as the primary lead for assigned projects, collaborating with Sales, R&D, Operations, Procurement, QA, and Customer Service. * Create project briefs and develop clear, comprehensive roadmaps with timelines, task owners, dependencies, and resource requirements. * Assign and coordinate project teams while controlling scope, minimizing risks, and ensuring accountability. * Lead recurring project updates, track progress, monitor deliverables, and generate status reports. * Anticipate potential roadblocks and escalate issues early to keep timelines intact. Client Communication & Relationship Ownership * Act as the main client-facing contact for assigned projects. * Deliver timely, proactive updates on project milestones, launch timing, and key next steps. * Partner with customers to finalize specifications, packaging requirements, and launch expectations. * Coordinate customer visits, trials, and sample reviews while providing a professional, polished experience. Packaging, Dielines & Regulatory Oversight * Create, review, and manage packaging dielines with external design partners. * Conduct fit tests to ensure packaging meets retailer, functional, and regulatory requirements. * Oversee artwork approvals, regulatory reviews, and cross-functional validation processes. * Manage packaging-related quality checks and verification steps. Operational Execution * Oversee new item setups including specs, UPCs, BOMs, batch sheets, and technical documentation. * Coordinate procurement and ensure timely availability of ingredients, packaging, and equipment. * Schedule trials, production runs, customer visits, and sample preparation. * Ensure flawless execution during launch by aligning R&D, Operations, QA, and Production. * Review and send customer samples with accuracy and timeliness. Continuous Improvement * Conduct post-project evaluations to surface wins, opportunities, and improvements. * Cross-train with other Project Managers to ensure seamless coverage. * Support team operations by sharing best practices and standardizing workflows. Skills & Attributes * Client-facing communicator-professional, personable, and proactive. * Action-oriented leader-drives momentum and removes roadblocks. * Detail-driven & organized-manages complex timelines with precision. * Collaborative team player-engages and influences cross-functional stakeholders. * Strategic & tactical thinker-balances high-level goals with execution detail. * Adaptable & resilient-comfortable in deadline-driven, fast-changing environments. QualificationsRequired * BA/BS in Business, Operations, Food Science, or a related field. * 3+ years of project management or operations leadership experience within food, CPG, or retail. * Experience with retailer portals (Walmart, Target, POL, 1WorldSync). * Hands-on experience with dielines, fit tests, and packaging workflows. * Strong project management fundamentals with on-time, in-scope delivery history. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). * Excellent professional communication skills. Preferred * Experience with ERP, EDI, or PIM systems. * Familiarity with design/branding partners (Schawk, Equator, Sun Branding, Periscope). * Exposure to plant operations, QA processes, customer audits. * PMP certification or equivalent training. Working Conditions * Ability to work overtime, weekends, or holidays as needed. * Mix of office-based work and on-floor production walkthroughs. * Ability to stand, walk, sit, and lift up to 50 lbs unassisted. * Compliance with all safety, PPE, and ergonomic requirements. * Must be a strong advocate for safety and operational excellence. Physical Requirements (Production Floor) * Non-slip shoes, hair restraints, beard nets (if applicable), gloves, and all PPE as required. * Ability to stand, walk, lift, crawl, kneel, twist, and reach as needed. * Ability to see, hear, and communicate clearly with colleagues across varied environments. Why Join Us At CandyCo, you'll own high-impact projects from concept to launch-directly influencing product success for major brands and helping drive our growth. You'll work cross-functionally, build strong customer partnerships, and help bring innovative food products to market. If you thrive on variety, collaboration, and making things happen, this is your opportunity to shine. If you want a shorter posting, a LinkedIn-optimized version, or a more playful/chocolate-themed version, just tell me! Job Posted by ApplicantPro