Kinder's is looking to ensure their innovation engine runs efficiently and effectively by managing the seamless execution of multiple, complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
Requirements
- 8-10+ years of experience in R&D and / or product development program or project management, preferably in the CPG, food, beverage, or a similar consumer-oriented industry.
- Proven experience managing a portfolio of complex technical projects using a robust project / product lifecycle process.
- Demonstrated experience managing external partners, including codevelopers, and ingredient suppliers.
- Strong technical acumen with an understanding of food science, formulation, and commercialization processes.
- Financially literate with the ability to provide input into project budgets and understand the financial implications of development decisions.
- PMP certification or other project management training a strong plus.
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of diverse R&D projects, with a focus on strategic projects focused on development of our most important new product lines, ensuring clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
- Implement and oversee our project management process to track project progress, identify risks, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
- Work with R&D team to translate complex technical challenges into actionable project tasks and milestones, ensuring clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Identify and proactively address project risks or delays with proposed mitigation strategies.
- Escalate roadblocks and collaborate with stakeholders to re-align on priorities and trade-offs.
- Work with R&D team to identify, onboard, and manage third-party development agencies, co-packers, and ingredient suppliers including, where applicable, coordinating assessment of technical and other capabilities required to meet key project requirements.
- Maintain high-quality records of project data, test results, learnings, development notes and other key project information.
Other
- The R&D Program Manager will report to the VP of R&D and will be a key leader in ensuring our innovation engine runs efficiently and effectively.
- This is a high-impact role responsible for managing the seamless execution of multiple, complex R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
- You will be the central hub of our product development process, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to our quality standards by managing both internal teams and external development partners.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, facilitating clear communication, managing contracts including driving key deliverables, and ensuring attainment of project requirements and quality standards.
- Partner closely with cross-functional leaders (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Operations, Quality, and Finance) to drive project alignment and ensure successful delivery of key programs.
