R&D Project Manager (Chicago, United States) bei Le Groupe Bel - home

Bel, makers of iconic brands including Babybel, The Laughing Cow, Boursin, Kaukauna, Merkts, Price's and GoGo squeeZ, is a growing global company that values your contributions, strives to create a sense of belonging for everyone and offers career growth and development opportunities, as well as competitive total compensation and meaningful well-being benefits from day one. For All, For Good, our company signature, reflects Bel’s commitment to Purpose*Full Snacking, sustainability and responsible food for all. The company has headquarters for it's cheese business unit in Chicago and offices for GoGo squeeZ in New York City. Bel operates four US manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI, and Brookings, SD, Nampa, ID, and Traverse City, MI.

The Project Manager will manage a portfolio of projects including innovation, cost savings, packaging and product renovations, network optimization and sustainability initiatives across Bel USA brands. Leading project teams to ensure deliverables are met on time and in full, within the project scope and budget, utilizing resources effectively. Coordinating with other functions to ensure all aspects of each project are compatible and stakeholders are engaged to drive timely decisions.

Job Responsibilities & Tasks:

• A strategic doer who can lead projects from end-to-end according to the Stage Gate process.
• Work with cross functional team to manage key projects within the portfolio by:
  • Assisting with the definition of project scope/objectives to assess complexity
  • Detailed documentation of project briefs and specific project requirements
  • Ensuring the quality of the inputs from the contributing teams
• Leverage project management expertise to ensure the delivery of projects on time, in full through the application of a robust methodology encompassing:
  • Coordinate kick off meetings to establish clear project scope and success criteria
  • Build and follow up on timeline and budget
  • Develop a detailed project plan, managed through regular project meetings and notes to monitor and track progress
  • Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule and project costs using appropriate governance forums
  • Strongly coordinate project team members from many different functions
  • Clearly communicate on progress, risk, and project deviation (Cost, resource, priority…): report and escalate to management as needed

• Coordinate risk management to minimize project risks

• Conduct lessons learned after each project to enhance our ways of working

• Coordinate and lead discussions with teams to drive projects forward and maintain the timeline

Competencies and Qualifications

• Results-oriented team player within a diverse, multicultural, and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lead by example and manage through influence across local and global teams.
• A constructive challenger who is capable of saying no.
• Effective at managing competing priorities while adhering to key deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and rigor.
• Ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage a portfolio of projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical ability.
• Flexible and ability to learn quickly.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project.

Position Requirements:

• EDUCATION:   Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations Management, Business Management, or a related field is required
• EXPERIENCE:  Minimum 5 years of work experience required
• 3+ years of experience in Innovation Project Management, preferably within a multinational environment
• Experience working in a CPG / food manufacturing environment strongly preferred

Performance Expectations: Confidentiality, quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed; ability to gain the trust and respect of management, customers and vendors; maintain the integrity of confidential business and product information; ability to communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with other employees and customers; ability to work with and through others is essential to accomplish goals and objectives of the Company.

Working Conditions:  Work is performed largely in a hybrid office environment, minimum 2 days per week in Chicago office.  Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours with at least 40 hours a week.  At times there will be some variation in work hours due to special projects, deadlines and other concerns.  Occasional travel may be necessary.

Relationships:  Will have strong relationships with Marketing, Research and Development, Finance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams.

Acknowledgement:  This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employee assigned to this position.  It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job.  The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Total Rewards:

Base Salary: $120,000 - $125,000

Bonus Potential: 20%

401k, Medical, Dental, Vision from Day One, PTO days and more

Hybrid work schedule in Chicago

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

If you think that this job is for you, please click now on the button "Apply".