Joel Spears

Gurnee, Illinois *****, and Portsmouth, NH 03801

ad2ptm@r.postjobfree.com • 708-***-**** • www.linkedin.com/in/joelspears/ Project & Program Manager

Results-focused leader with 15+ years of experience within CPG management with a focus on optimizing teams and processes, reducing costs, and creating strong brand awareness. Ownership from Concept to Launch Project & Program Management Work Management Creative Operations Sustainability Team Development & Growth Complex Problem Solving Vendor Management Client Satisfaction & Retention Player/Coach Leadership TOOLS

Adobe Creative Suite Microsoft Teams Google Suite Microsoft Office Workfront Wrike Jira Agile/Scrum Figma HTML/CSS Professional Experience

Snaproducts, Northbrook, Illinois

Head of Project Management 2019-2023

• Led structuring, data migration, and launch of ShareSync

• Manage a team of designers, web dev, product developers, copywriters, digital content creators including hiring, onboarding, training and development

• Oversee all Product Launches - managing all tasks relating to Operations, Product Development, Marketing and Sales

• Ownership of all projects from concept to launch

• Key driver of all cross-functional team goals, timelines and deliverables

• Define and enhance company sustainability goals

• Key Project Planning collaborator with internal senior management and with VP and Director level stakeholders at key clients (Target, CVS, Walgreens, Ulta) Key Accomplishments:

• Successfully led NetSuite implementation

• Successfully led development, testing and launch of 3 DTC websites

• Successfully launched $2 million cosmetic fixture at CVS

• Successfully launched $4 million 9-foot bath assortment at Walgreens

• Led company-wide Sustainability Initiative, launching new plant-based packaging at mass market, plastic reduction program, played a key role in development of compostable products.

• Liaison with key retail accounts advancing their own Sustainability Initiatives (Target Zero, Ulta Conscious Beauty, CVS Plastics Reduction Initiative)

PPI Beauty, Chicago, Illinois

Senior Creative Project Manager 2014 – 2018

• Manage a team of designers, packaging engineers, and production artists, including talent recruitment and development.

• Oversee all creative projects including new packaging design, line maintenance, packaging and press approvals, digital assets and photography

Key Accomplishments:

• Led the implementation of Wrike, a project management software, throughout multiple departments. Established a strong communication foundation and reduced the length of cross-functional meetings by 40%.

• Developed and implemented a change management system including tracker documentation system and Master Spec.

• Integrated a new claims and copy process, resulting in a decrease in labor by $100K by eliminating re-work. PPI Beauty, Chicago, Illinois

Creative Services Senior Manager 2012 – 2014

Key Accomplishments:

• Decreased turnaround times by implementing a Creative Master Timeline, establishing tight deadlines for copy and artwork submissions, approval timelines, and shipment.

• Negotiated with vendors, reevaluated print techniques, and transitioned packaging leading to an annual reduction in packaging costs by $320K.

• Developed and deployed a “Toxics on Packaging” testing protocol, assisting international suppliers with compliance measures.

PPI Beauty, Chicago, Illinois

Print Production Manager 2008 – 2012

Key Accomplishments:

• Identified new packaging materials and processes leading to an enhanced design and lowering costs by up to 65%.

• Assisted cross-functional teams to re-launch 10 major product lines, with up to 75 SKUs, for both core and private label brands.

LM Squared LLC., Northbrook, Illinois

Creative Services Manager 2005 – 2007

Key Accomplishments:

• Saved over $30K in production error costs through the organization of the company’s file server. Education and Credentials

Bachelor of Arts in History with a Minor in Drawing and Painting Northwestern University – Evanston, IL

Coursework in Drawing, Painting, Illustration, 3D & 4D School of the Art Institute – Chicago, IL

Awards and Certificates

Certified Scrum Master, 2023

Advanced Google Analytics Certificate, 2023

Walgreens 2022 Innovation Award

PPI Beauty Best in Beauty Award, 2018

PMP Certification Expected 2024

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