Sr. Product Manager

• We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Project Manager to lead and oversee the successful execution of product innovation and launch initiatives.
• This role has overall responsibility for facilitating the planning and execution of primarily more complex innovation and renovation projects in terms of development, launch execution, and post launch evaluation.
• This role will facilitate and manage the scoping, planning and timing of any given project.
• The role is responsible for leading project teams to successfully plan and execute projects.
• This will allow to focus on execution, improved visibility to risks and issues, and will help to establish a culture of discipline and excellence in execution.
• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in product innovation, a deep understanding of cross-functional project management, and a passion for bringing innovative products to market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Product Innovation Projects: Manage multiple product innovation and launch projects from ideation through to commercialization, working closely with R&D, marketing, supply chain, finance, and other key stakeholders.
• End-to-End Project Management: Oversee the entire project lifecycle through QUEST process, including scoping, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with key cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables. Facilitate collaboration across departments to solve challenges and ensure seamless product launches.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, vendors, and third-party partners. Provide regular project updates and escalate risks as needed.
• Resource Planning and Allocation: Ensure that resources (both human and financial) are effectively planned and allocated to meet project goals. Identify gaps or bottlenecks and proactively address them to keep projects on track.
• Risk Management: Identify potential project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively address issues as they arise to minimize impact on project timelines and deliverables.
• Process Improvement: Continuously seek opportunities to improve project management processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of product innovation and launch projects.
• KPIs and Metrics: Track key project performance metrics, including time-to-market, budget adherence, and post-launch success, to ensure continuous improvement and learning for future projects.
• Innovation Focus: Stay abreast of industry trends, customer needs, and emerging technologies to help drive innovative product solutions and ensure competitive advantage.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in project management, with a focus on product development, innovation, or product launches.
• Proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment, ideally within the FMCG.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, etc.) and tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet.com or similar

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results on time and within budget.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and manage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment and manage conflict or competing priorities.
• Experience with risk management and problem-solving in high-pressure situations.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or other relevant project management certification preferred