Mandarin Innovation PMO B2

Job Description

The Innovation Manager is a leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing multiple product and packaging innovation projects from concept development to launch for a leading Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) client. With over 10 years of experience and a strong background in project management, this individual will serve as a key interface to drive fast-paced innovation projects to successful and timely completion.

Responsible for the flawless execution of project deliverables and proactively addressing challenges to ensure projects remain on track while maintaining highest quality and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have proven & in-depth experience in consumer package goods, package design, product innovation and marketing.

Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Innovation Process Management: Provide end-to-end project management support for product and packaging innovation projects from concept development, feasibility validation, R&D, business proposal and approval
• Project Leadership: Lead innovation project kick-off and facilitate discussions with all stakeholders to ensure project team is aligned on the overall scope, timelines and objective.
• Stakeholder Communication: Coordinate and facilitate project discussions, including kick-off meetings, project update meetings and lesson learnt sessions, ensuring all key decisions and updates are cascaded to all stakeholders
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Build relationships and foster a culture of continuous improvement to convince the cross functional team to execute process changes.
• Regularly monitor innovation projects providing insights and recommendations for ongoing improvements.
• Assess project delays, identify risks and propose accelerations to keep projects on track.
• Monitor and maintain up-to-date records of project progress, including tracking milestones, deliverables, and deviations from the original plan.
• Ensure accuracy of information and collate all required inputs for completeness of project documents and supporting materials.
• Conduct lessons-learned reviews and incorporate findings into future projects for continuous improvement.
• Guide and mentor innovation project managers and project coordinators and share best practices from other projects.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications, project management, or related field

5+ years of experience in project management with leadership experience

Strong MSO skills (excel, PPT, word) and background on MSP (or other similar software)

Demonstrated track record of managing projects to successful outcomes

Knowledge in CPG or FMCG, product and packaging innovation or new product development processes

Required Soft Skills

• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects and set priorities in a dynamic environment
• Strategic influencing skills to convince the cross functional team to execute.
• Strong technical and organizational skills in addition to excellent written and verbal communication skills (English and required foreign language)
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to coordinate and support multiple stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work internationally
• Strong relationship building, communication, and influencing skills
• Should be committed and focused on succeeding in a challenging work environment
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA
• PMP certification
• 5+ years of product innovation and marketing experience
• Actual work experience in CPG or FMCG, product and packaging innovation or new product development processes

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