Sr. PM, Commercialization at Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Inc. in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Location: Chicago



This role is based out of our corporate HQ located in downtown Chicago and will be a hybrid in-person role.




Want to make an impact?



The Commercialization Project Manager is responsible for leading the successful delivery of commercialization projects across the company. These projects are comprised of New Product Development (NPD), Line Extensions, Packaging Changes, Productivity Improvements, or Manufacturing Network changes. This position leads and coordinates cross-functional project teams and collaborates with nearly every department in the organization directly.




Ways you will make a difference

• Lead the cross functional teams to ensure successful delivery of different project types, which includes New Product Development (NPD), Line Extensions, Packaging Changes, Productivity Improvements, or Manufacturing Network changes.
• Manage and execute commercialization efforts to integrate new products into the Ferrara portfolio.
• Collaborate with and lead multiple internal cross-functional groups (e.g. Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D, Procurement, Packaging Engineering, etc.)
• Develop and manage project timelines for Global Brands, success criteria, issues, risks, opportunities, and assumptions.
• Communicates project status updates to Senior Management when requested. If behind, provides recommendations and/or options to get back on track.
• Hold cross functional team members accountable for delivering his/her tasks on time.
• Ensure effective use of resources, communicate organizational priorities, and drive timely execution of strategically important projects.
• Participate in, follow, and support the Stage Gate process.
• Gather feedback on improving the commercialization and Stage Gate process; support the development, documentation, and implementation of process improvements.
• Evaluate and recommend go/no-go action based on the viability of a strategic initiatives impacting respective seasons.
• Handle multiple initiatives simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines to enable successful seasons.
• Perform special projects as required.

• Strong work ethic with high sense of urgency, accountability, and initiative
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with an ownership mentality
• Willingness to attack problems for immediate resolution
• Ability to function in rapidly changing, environment with multiple sets of stakeholders
• Effective communicator, both written and verbal, to lead people from various functions and levels
• Business acumen with strong analytical skills and demonstrated technical competence
• Continuous improvement mindset with high tolerance for ambiguity
• High proficiency in MS Excel and Office Suite
• Functional user of SAP and MS Project is a plus

• Minimum Bachelor's degree, preferably in business, engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum 4 years of experience working in project management or related role
• Relevant project management or consulting work is preferred
• Experience and skill presenting concepts and/or status updates to multiple audiences