NPD Project Manager (Erlanger, KY, US, 41018) na Perfetti Van Melle

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic NPD Project Manager to join our growing team.

The Project Manager holds overall responsibility for facilitating the planning and execution of product and launch projects, encompassing development, launch execution, and post-launch evaluation. The PM will partner with Marketing or Sales (the Project Champion—whoever is leading the initiative) to manage the scoping, planning, and scheduling of each project. This role is responsible for leading cross-functional project teams to successfully plan and execute initiatives, ensuring strong execution focus, improved visibility into risks and issues, and the establishment of a culture of discipline and excellence in execution.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional teams through NPD, commercialization, and special projects, ensuring milestone achievement and successful execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact across business, product development, supply chain, and commercialization functions to align priorities and resolve operational issues.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and R&D to define project scope, design, and timelines.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using MS Project or similar tools, with a focus on critical path and risk mitigation.
• Monitor, report, and communicate project status, risks, and KPIs to leadership and stakeholders.
• Facilitate executive-level decision-making, arbitrate impasses, and remove barriers to ensure project progress.
• Champion the evolution and adoption of NPD processes, tools, and best practices; support onboarding and training for cross-functional teams.
• Conduct post-launch audits to identify process improvements and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure high-quality deliverables are consistently delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
• Maintain required documentation in compliance with stage-gate development processes.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• BS/BA required, preferably in Business Administration or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• 3–4 years of project management experience with a proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously, ideally in a CPG/FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Proven success in achieving business results through process improvement and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and detail-oriented skills.
• Ability to motivate others to achieve results and deliver on commitments without formal authority.
• Solid understanding of the innovation commercialization process and how cross-functional teams collaborate to achieve objectives, preferably in FMCG.
• Proficient with MS365, MS Project, Excel, and SAP.
• Lean Six Sigma experience is preferred

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off  
• 13 paid holidays  
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases  
• Comprehensive Health Insurance   
• Annual well-being subsidy
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options 
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement  
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.