Product Lifecycle & Change Management Project Lead

Kalsec Inc.; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kalsec Inc. in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Product Lifecycle & Change Management Project Lead to drive cross-functional PLM/ERP initiatives.

You will lead end-to-end changes, coordinate R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Procurement, and ensure plans meet governance and compliance standards. The role emphasizes strong project management, documentation, risk tracking, and clear communication to leadership while optimizing PLM/ERP capabilities and business

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 4-7 years related experience.
• Experience in project management, PLM, product commercialization, supply chain, operations.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of food industry processes including sourcing, formulation, manufacturing, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• PMP or similar certification.
• Experience with PLM systems (Optiva PLM) and food manufacturing ERP systems.
• Experience supporting business process improvement initiatives.
• Experience with stage-gate product development or commercialization processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end project execution for changes, from kickoff through implementation, ensuring governance alignment.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams from R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing and Procurement.
• Translate product changes into detailed project plans with timelines and resources.
• Facilitate project meetings and drive accountability for deliverables.
• Track progress and escalate risks, delays, or gaps as needed.
• Manage documentation and records in PLM/ERP systems.
• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and leadership.
• Assess business needs and support PLM/ERP upgrades; coordinate testing and feedback.
• Coordinate user acceptance testing and monitor progress to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication & facilitation

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Information Systems or related field

Tools

Optiva PLM

ERP systems

Job description

Product Lifecycle & Change Management Project Lead

Job Category: Regulatory

Requisition Number: PRODU001617

• Posted : October 15, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Michigan
Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA

Description

Job Summary:

The Product Lifecycle & Change Management Project Lead is responsible for leading cross-functional product change initiatives and driving continuous improvement of Kalsec's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) processes and systems.

This role ensures product changes are effectively planned, communicated, documented, and implemented across the organization while minimizing operational disruption, maintaining compliance, and supporting business objectives. The position partners closely with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, Finance, and Information Systems to execute projects, improve business processes, and support enhancements to PLM and ERP capabilities.

Product-Related Changes

• Lead end‑to‑end project execution for changes, from kickoff through implementation, ensuring alignment with established change management governance.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams from R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing and Procurement, to ensure all requirements are met.
• Translate product changes into detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones and resource requirements.
• Facilitate project meetings and drive accountability for key deliverables.
• Track project progress and proactively identify risks, delays, or gaps, escalating issues to the Product Lifecycle/Change Management Department Head as needed.
• Manage documentation and project records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal systems (PLM and ERP).
• Monitor project performance and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and leadership.

Software-Related Changes

• Assess business and user needs.
• Support the definition and prioritization of product features and requirements, including PLM/ERP upgrades; coordinate with users, IS, and other stakeholders to keep testing on track and communicate feedback to relevant parties.
• Coordinate user acceptance testing for PLM/ERP enhancements.
• Analyze data to support product goals and adjust tactics as needed.
• Monitor project progress to ensure timely feature delivery.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with 4-7 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required

• Degree in Food Science, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Information Systems, or other allied science or related field that uses the scientific method.
• Experience in project management, product lifecycle management, product commercialization, supply chain, operations, office management or related functions.
• Experience coordinating and leading cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of food industry processes, including ingredient sourcing, formulation, manufacturing, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• PMP or similar certification.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or other enterprise business systems. Experience with Optiva PLM and food manufacturing ERP systems a plus.
• Experience supporting business process improvement initiatives.
• Experience with stage-gate product development or commercialization processes

Working Conditions:

Office environment utilizing standard office equipment and Microsoft Office Suite.

Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.

Less than 10% travel required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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