| Job Description | REPORTS TO: Manager, New Product Development - Club
STATUS: Salaried, Exempt
JOB SUMMARY: This position has dual responsibilities; manage the Wild Roots packaging design development process and manage product development projects in the Club & Specialty division with responsibility for the successful planning, execution, monitoring, control and closure of multiple projects within the context of the division’s strategic growth plans. Involvement from ideation to commercialization; includes preparation of project plans and costs; determination of work schedules; and definition of project deliverables utilizing Project Manager Techniques and methods. The successful execution of these responsibilities will result in increased speed to market, and ultimately result in the success of the sales organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND INFLUENCE:
Design Management
•Responsible for gathering, coordinating and trouble shooting of packaging materials which may include content, film, packaging design, corrugated cases, trays, labels and on line printed materials for Wild Roots products
•Works with Club core team to plan, prioritize and schedule changes/updates to packaging mockups
•Reviews all production proofs for printability; plans and implements coding requirements and eye marks, validates in proofing process and manages tracking documents
•Coordinates file handoff to printer of all packaging materials; tracks file handoff dates through approval of color standards. Facilitates ink and graphic color standard’s file management
•Provides direction to printing vendor regarding project scope and requirements and evaluates estimates. Reviews and processes prepress, plate and graphic invoices
•Attends press runs to ensure quality goals are achieved
•Provides creative direction for product photography; including partnering with R&D and food stylists for product preparation and styling for photo shoots. Interfaces with R&D personnel for technical copy and recipe needs.
•Coordinates completed packaging materials with copackers or plant team members according to predetermined schedule
Project Management
•Develops product proposals; define project resources, sales budgets, initial forecasts and schedules.
•Utilizes the Stage Gate Process and other existing tools to manage multiple development projects from program approval through initial production.
•Coordinates multiple stand-alone systems in the product development process.
•Conducts project kick-off meetings for large projects establishing a development plan with clearly defined deliverables and accountabilities for all project team members.
•Establishes and manages detailed project timelines and milestones for each project working with all cross-functional teams (including R&D, Finance and Purchasing) often within short time frames.
•Coordinates and distributes project information internally identifying key problem areas, recommending solutions and collaborating with other departments to determine resolution.
•Establishes and manages an effective communication plan
•Interfaces with account sales manager to ensure all specifications meet customer expectations and requirements.
•Collaborates with internal packaging engineering resources to coordinate packaging requirements and ensure customer specifications are met.
•Integrates all aspects of the projects, ensuring that proper knowledge and resources are available and results are produced in a timely, cost-effective manner. .
•Ensure appropriate and timely communication among key stakeholders for each project.
•Implements Project Management methodologies including initiation, planning, execution, control, and project closures. Manage the triple-constraints – scope, time and cost.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:
•Excellent creative-thinking, communication and presentation skills required. Possess strong listening, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
•Must be able to lead both design and process improvement projects through cross-functional teams.
•Ability to develop and assimilate data and marketing input to create plans, project proposals and Creative Briefs.
•Work well in a team environment with the ability to influence others.
•Flexible, with the ability to handle changing environment and priorities
•Strong root cause problem-solving skills
•The ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment
•The ability to schedule and lead meetings with a broad range of people.
•Excellent knowledge of project management tools and procedures. Knowledge of people management skills, particularly influence management and conflict resolution
•Knowledge of operations, finance, R&D, and manufacturing; including scheduling, procurement, conversion and quality systems.
•General knowledge of marketing principles.
•High level of integrity and professionalism. Viewed as competent, credible and knowledgeable.
•Outgoing and amiable style; someone people enjoy working with and respect
•Must be proficient in PowerPoint, Excel and other MS applications.
•Attention to detail and appreciation of deadlines is essential.
•Financial and business acumen, with the ability to translate business input into design direction for creative partners.
•Knowledge of technical language used in design, photography and printing industry.
•Ability to travel up to 15% of the time for off-site meetings, photo shoots and press approvals.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
•Bachelor of Arts or Business Degree with a Marketing focus.
•Minimum 5 years project management experience, preferably in Creative Services or marketing related position. Consumer Products or Food company experience would be preferred.
•Experience in creative direction of photography. Project Management Professional (PMP) a plus. |
| | Company | | Continental Mills, Inc | Job Code | | State or Province | | Washington | | |
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