Sr. Project Manager

General Purpose:

Manage and lead a portfolio of capital and business projects in the Ingredient Solutions Project Management Organization. Manage all aspects of complex, highly visible projects as well as multiple low/medium complexity projects concurrently, from start to finish, completing on time and within budget. Scope of projects will include a high degree of focus on major capital projects, commercialization projects, and value chain optimization projects. Responsibilities also include (co-)managing the Stage Gate process and Strategic Capital process for the Ingredient Solutions business unit.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support consistent with a standardized approach to project management throughout DFA Ingredient Solutions business unit by leveraging best practices
• Lead a variety of projects including new product development, process improvements, value chain optimization, strategic capital projects, etc.
• Apply stage gate process principles including weekly review to address issues impacting our customers as well as monthly stage gate process for long term projects
• Develop a RASCI matrix for major capital projects to determine roles and responsibilities in each phase of the project
• Participate in various projects representing the commercialization aspect of project requirements
• Develop and track detailed project plans in collaboration with diverse work streams (e.g., Engineering, Marketing, Construction, Operations, Quality, HR, Supply Chain, Environmental, Finance, Sales, Incentives)
• Negotiate and resolve issues and drive decisions among project team to achieve project and business goals; escalate issues and risks that may impede progress of projects
• Develop risk and mitigation plans to ensure business and project objectives are met
• Identify risks and manage breakdowns in projects
• Conduct project meetings and develop and coordinate project reporting to communicate the status of the project within and beyond the project team (e.g., Project Brief, Monthly Progress Reports, Lessons Learned reporting); ensure all required documentation is provided and delivered for movement of project throughout stage gate process
• Provide coaching and guidance to the team members about every aspect of the project so that the team members can understand their tasks fully and act on them efficiently
• Support governance structure across projects (e.g., Stage Gate, Steering Committees, Core Teams)
• Issue monthly status reporting as required
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, or Operations Management required
• 7 years of project management experience (preferably in CPG industry with focus on marketing, sales, cross functional team building)
• 3 years managing projects through a stage gate project management process required
• Experience working in, or demonstrated management across, multiple business functions required
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), planning, leadership and interpersonal skills required
• Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset of ownership and commitment, broad business knowledge, and sound business judgement
• Certification and/or License - Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of both commercial and plant operations
• Able to work collaboratively with employees in a variety of departments and build consensus around key initiatives
• Organizational agility
• Proven experience leading diverse teams
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, and Project
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to view problems, opportunities, and solutions from a company-wide perspective
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to multi-task and problem solve
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel:

15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter)

An Equal Opportunity Employer