Program Manager I - NPD Kitchen

Newell Brands; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Newell Brands is seeking a Program Manager I to lead global NPD projects and guide cross-functional teams through stage-gate development. You will manage schedules, costs, and risks while partnering with Brand Marketing and R&D to define scope and design.

Strong PM discipline and communication are essential for successful launches and continuous improvement. The role requires 3–5 years in product development leadership, a Bachelor’s degree, and familiarity with MS Project, Project Online, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3–5 years in NPD and project leadership.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across locations.
• Experience with MS Project, Project Online and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead global NPD projects of varying complexity.
• Develop standardized project timelines and schedules.
• Manage critical path and budget; report KPI progress.
• Partner with Brand Marketing and R&D to define scope.
• Communicate plans clearly to leaders and teams.
• Maintain stage-gate documentation.
• Identify risks and mitigation plans.
• Lead post-launch evaluations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure on-time, within-budget delivery.
• Facilitate weekly team meetings.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical skills

Structured PM methods

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Project Online

SharePoint

Job description

Job ID: 18283

Position Title: Program Manager I

Location: Atlanta, GA/ Huntersville, NC

Reports to: Program Manager III, NPD

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

The Program Manager I will be a key member of the Program Management Office (PMO) supporting the Kitchen businesses, set out to develop world-class project execution. The main responsibility is to manage and guide a global cross-functional team through the stage-gate process in order to develop, commercialize and launch innovative product solutions that meet cost, schedule, and scope requirements. Additionally, the PM I will aid in both the accuracy and analysis of project planning & report out.

Responsibilities:

• Independently leads New Product Development (NPD) projects of various complexity.
• Leads project planning sessions to collaboratively develop standardized timelines (networks) for projects.
• Utilizes MS Project to develop project schedules with a focus on the critical path.
• Responsible for delivering key PMO Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) of project timing, cost, quality, and budget.
• Partners with Brand Marketing and R&D to define project scope & design.
• Lead formal weekly team meetings and communication methods that drive project execution and completion.
• Identifies, monitors, and recommends mitigation plans to project risk. Reports status of project progress and risks to leadership.
• Participates in/leads post launch audit output evaluations to recommend advancements for continuous improvement of project execution practices.
• Ensures project outputs are consistently high-quality deliverables, on time and within budget to all business objectives.
• Communicates project expectations and plans to the project team members, leadership, and other stakeholders in a clear and concise fashion.
• Leads identification, negotiation, and support of resolution to issues within cross functional teams.
• Maintains documentation as required by the stage-gate development process.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in new product development and project leadership roles.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Strong focus and ability to facilitate relations between cross functional teams in various locations.
• Expertise in structured project management methodologies (e.g., critical path).
• Familiarity with basic manufacturing processes and production planning.
• Logical and creative problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Project Online and SharePoint.
• Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships.
• Highly effective organization and planning skills.
• Ability to support the needs of and interact appropriately with cross-functional personnel.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.