Director of Project Management

Palermo's Pizza; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Employee discounts

Opportunity to influence growth

Job summary

Palermo’s is seeking a Director of Project Management to lead a team of Project Managers driving the prioritization, orchestration, and execution of complex business and commercialization initiatives. You’ll partner with Sales, R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and other teams to ensure projects are aligned, well-executed, and market-ready.

The role requires 7+ years in project management with 3+ years in a food-production leadership capacity, and a track record of developing

Qualifications

• 7+ years of project management experience, including leadership of cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience leading complex projects in food production or consumer goods.
• Proven ability to drive commercialization and new product initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Palermo’s project management strategy and oversee a portfolio of complex business and commercialization initiatives.
• Partner with Sales and business leaders to prioritize projects that support customer needs, revenue opportunities, and strategic growth.
• Guide projects from initiation through launch, ensuring clear scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and accountability.
• Establish consistent project management standards, reporting, risk management, and decision-making practices.
• Resolve competing priorities, remove barriers, and keep cross-functional teams aligned.
• Improve commercialization processes and project execution to strengthen speed-to-market and business results.
• Lead, coach, and develop Project Managers while building greater capability and ownership across the team.

Skills

Project management leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic prioritization

Budgeting & resource planning

Risk management

Stakeholder influence

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Project Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

Oracle ERP

Job description

Do you enjoy turning big ideas and business opportunities into successful projects that make it to market?

• Are you a leader who can bring multiple teams together, navigate competing priorities, and keep complex projects moving forward?
• Do you understand how strong project execution can accelerate commercialization, strengthen customer relationships, and support business growth?
• Do you take pride in developing Project Managers, improving processes, and creating accountability for results?

If so, this role may be the perfect fit for you.

Who You’ll Work For…

Palermo’s is a family-owned company with a passion for great pizza and great people. As our Director of Project Management, you'll lead a team of Project Managers responsible for helping turn business priorities, customer opportunities, and innovative ideas into successful outcomes.

You’ll partner closely with Sales, R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and other teams to ensure projects are aligned, well-executed, and ready for commercialization.

Perks…

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee discounts on Palermo’s products
• Opportunity to influence business growth, commercialization, and the way projects are managed across the organization

Where you’ll work…

You’ll work collaboratively with teams across Palermo’s business and manufacturing operations, with opportunities to engage directly in the projects and processes that bring our products to market.

What You’ll Do…

• Lead Palermo’s project management strategy and oversee a portfolio of complex business and commercialization initiatives.
• Partner with Sales and business leaders to prioritize projects that support customer needs, revenue opportunities, and strategic growth.
• Guide projects from initiation through launch, ensuring clear scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and accountability.
• Establish consistent project management standards, reporting, risk management, and decision-making practices.
• Resolve competing priorities, remove barriers, and keep cross-functional teams aligned.
• Improve commercialization processes and project execution to strengthen speed-to-market and business results.
• Lead, coach, and develop Project Managers while building greater capability and ownership across the team.

Why you’ll be successful…

You understand that project management is about more than timelines and task lists. You connect the work to business outcomes, anticipate problems before they become delays, and know how to influence people who may have different priorities.

You're organized, analytical, and comfortable navigating complexity. You build strong relationships, make thoughtful decisions, and create an environment where people understand expectations and take ownership of results.

What You’ll Bring…

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 7+ years of project management experience, including 3+ years in a food-production leadership role
• Experience leading complex cross-functional projects, particularly commercialization or new product initiatives
• Demonstrated success leading and developing Project Managers
• Strong project planning, prioritization, budgeting, risk management, and communication skills
• Ability to influence stakeholders and manage competing business priorities
• Advanced experience with project management systems and tools

PMP certification, an advanced degree, Oracle ERP experience, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or Agile/Scrum experience are a plus.

What Success Looks Like…

Projects are aligned with business priorities, commercialization launches are coordinated and timely, and teams have clear expectations and accountability. Leaders have visibility to progress and risks, project management processes are consistent and effective, and the team continues to grow in capability while delivering measurable business results.