Chocolate Portfolio Senior Project Manager

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars in Chicago seeks a seasoned Senior Project Manager to lead planning and execution of complex innovation projects in the Chocolate category, guiding cross-functional teams from ideation to delivery while driving growth and improving product offerings and operational efficiencies.

You will manage ideation, scoping, timelines and resources, balancing stakeholders and ensuring accountability through data-driven decisions and Stage & Gate/PPM governance.

Qualifications

• Lead planning and execution of complex innovation projects in the Chocolate category.
• Balance stakeholders and drive accountability across cross-functional teams.
• Develop timelines, resources, and risk assessments to ensure on-time delivery.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership and ensure robust data-driven decisions.
• Navigate Stage & Gate and PPM processes to ensure disciplined execution.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Senior Project Manager for the chocolate portfolio, driving execution that supports growth, brand strategies and business priorities.
• Take full ownership of high complexity initiatives, guiding projects from charter through post-launch review.
• Simultaneously manage and lead projects of varying complexities, including capital investment initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional teams to align on project scope, allocate resources, and create detailed timelines.
• Conduct risk assessments to anticipate obstacles, proactively resolving issues and ensuring resilience.
• Facilitate identification/escalation of issues and risks to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Act as gatekeeper of Stage & Gate framework and PPM system to drive disciplined execution.

Job description

Mars in Chicago seeks a seasoned Senior Project Manager to lead planning and execution of complex innovation projects in the Chocolate category, guiding cross-functional teams from ideation to delivery while driving growth and improving product offerings and operational efficiencies.

You will manage ideation, scoping, timelines and resources, balancing stakeholders and ensuring accountability through data-driven decisions and Stage & Gate/PPM governance.