Innovation Project Lead - Chocolate Portfolio

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 101,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex innovation initiatives within the Chocolate category. You will steer cross-functional teams from ideation to execution, aligning with growth strategies and business priorities to improve product offerings and operational efficiencies.

You will own multi-faceted projects, manage timelines, resources, and risks, and ensure disciplined adherence to Stage & Gate and PPM processes while driving value across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management with a track record in innovation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or related field.
• Experience using Microsoft Project for planning and scheduling.
• Knowledge of Idea to Market end-to-end process.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Senior Project manager for the chocolate Portfolio, driving execution that supports growth and brand strategies.
• Own high-complexity initiatives from charter development through post-launch review.
• Lead cross-functional teams to align scope, allocate resources, and create actionable timelines.
• Conduct risk assessments and resolve issues to ensure project resilience.
• Escalate issues to stakeholders and leadership while minimizing disruption.
• Guide Stage & Gate framework and PPM system for disciplined execution.
• Support development of the 3+3 growth pipeline for Chocolate.
• Collaborate with leadership to align pipeline goals with organizational strategy.
• Own item setup and tracking through the GTM process.
• Drive continuous improvements in ways of working and value creation.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Ambiguity tolerance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration / related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Mars is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex innovation initiatives within the Chocolate category. You will steer cross-functional teams from ideation to execution, aligning with growth strategies and business priorities to improve product offerings and operational efficiencies.

You will own multi-faceted projects, manage timelines, resources, and risks, and ensure disciplined adherence to Stage & Gate and PPM processes while driving value across the portfolio.