Project Manager

Our New Albany, Ohio client has a contract to hire opportunity for an R&D Project Manager focusing on product development (CPG) rather than traditional IT project management. The Project Manager (PM) is accountable for providing expertise in planning, executing, and closing strategic projects such as Systems Integration, New Product Development, and Supply Chain-related initiatives. This includes all phases of project delivery, from pre-initiation planning through post-production hypercare.

**Tue-Thur in office**

Please note: This is NOT an IT Project Manager role-looking for R&D/marketing backgrounds

Job Responsibilities:

In this role, the PM will manage multiple, complex projects partnering with cross-functional team members and interacting with senior leaders.

The PM ensures the projects are completed within the previously approved project schedule, cost, scope, and quality thresholds.

The PM must adhere to industry-standard software development life cycle (SDLC) methods, PMO standards, and client business processes.

They should also be familiar with Stage Gate approaches for new project development.

Clear, concise communication and effective collaboration are vital to ensure project alignment with strategic programs and priorities.

The PM also collaborates within the PMO on best practices and procedures and will help drive continuous improvement and implementation across the organization.

Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within the scope and budget. Examples of projects that could be assigned are; new product development, cost savings initiatives, business integrations, technology upgrades, process improvements, etc.

Collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals, scope, needs/expectations, and success criteria among executive sponsors, project leadership, key stakeholders, and project team.

Effectively manage risk, including management strategies, mitigation plans, monitoring, and reporting. This extends to issues and required decisions, ensuring transparency and understanding each project's needs and requirements.

Proactively manage project change requests and lead efforts to assess impacts. Socialize with project sponsor(s), leaders, and stakeholders and secure proper approval of proposed changes.

Monitor project performance, identify issues and resolutions, and escalate issues via the project sponsor and key business stakeholders as needed.

Actively drive timely decision making with key stakeholders and anticipate upcoming tasks needed to complete critical path.

Collaborate with other Project Managers throughout the organization to apply project management best practices and reinforce standard PMO tools and processes.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education Level:

Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related fields preferred.

PMP certification preferred.

Experience:

Minimum three to five years of relevant experience in Project Management or Innovation Project Management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Expertise in process improvement and SDLC projects

Exposure to Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project)

Individual Contributor Success Practices:

Persevering

Developing Resourcefulness

Taking Initiative and Measured Risks

Delivering Consistent High-quality Results

Working Hard and Adding Value

Setting Work Priorities

Informing Peers and Bosses

Collaborating

Being Coachable

Building and Having a Growth Mindset

Building Uncertainty and Ambiguity Management Skills

Leveraging high Aspirations and Personal Growth

Ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with company peers and partners.

Strong interpersonal skills -- listening and informing others effectively; excellent negotiating and influencing skills at all internal and external levels.

Strong communicator with business acumen who can adapt process pragmatically will thrive.

Ability to anticipate work needs and follow through with minimal direction. Must be a self-motivated self-starter.

Strong organizational skills – pays attention to details and is able to document effectively

Continuous learner – ability to apply learnings from previous experiences to improve future outcomes

Must possess the ability to consistently maintain external and internal confidentiality.

Travel 10%