Project Manager

Mars (New); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars (New) is seeking a Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of renovation and innovation projects in the confectionery portfolio. You will steer cross-functional teams, maintain robust timelines, and ensure alignment with business priorities while enhancing product offerings and operating efficiencies.

The role requires 2+ years external PM experience (3–5 years internal), a Bachelor’s degree, and proficiency with Microsoft Project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business Administration, Project Management, or related discipline.
• 2+ years of project management experience for external candidates; 3–5 years for internal candidates in cross-functional roles.
• Proven track record delivering projects from inception to completion.
• Experience with Microsoft Project for planning, scheduling and scenario planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Project manager for the confectionery Portfolio, driving execution that supports growth, brand strategies and business priorities.
• Own initiatives from charter development through post-launch review, ensuring delivery against objectives.
• Lead projects of varying complexities, including pack extensions, maintenance, small investments and value leadership.
• Lead cross-functional teams to align on scope, allocate resources, and create detailed timelines.
• Conduct risk assessments and proactively resolve issues to ensure project resilience.
• Act as gatekeeper of Stage & Gate framework and PPM system to drive disciplined execution.
• Identify and prioritize projects and resource allocations to optimize value delivery.
• Own item setup/tracking and troubleshoot through the GTM process.
• Drive continuous improvement for ways of working and value creation.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Description: As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading the planning and execution of renovation and innovation projects, steering cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle, to achieve the strategic business objectives of our Business. You will also play a role in enhancing our product offerings and operational efficiencies. Your responsibilities will include managing project ideation, scoping, timelines, and resources while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creative problem-solving. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, effectively balancing stakeholders, communicating efficiently and ensuring accountability. Will need to have proven track record of successfully managing projects from inception to completion.

What will be your key responsibilities? Serve as the Project manager for the confectionery Portfolio, driving execution that directly supports growth, brand strategies and business priorities. Take full ownership of initiatives, guiding projects from initial charter development through post-launch review, ensuring seamless delivery against objectives. Simultaneously manage and lead projects of varying complexities, ranging from pack extensions, maintenance, small investments and value leadership. Lead cross-functional teams across functions to align on project scope, identify critical success factors, allocate resources effectively, and create detailed, actionable timelines. Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to anticipate potential obstacles, proactively resolving issues and ensuring project resilience. Facilitates the identification and escalation of issues and risks to relevant stakeholders, senior leadership and/or S&OP+ forums while minimizing disruption to the project. Act as the gatekeeper of the Stage & gate framework and PPM system; leveraging the methodology to drive precision in execution, instill discipline across the team, and ensure decisions are underpinned by robust data and documentation. Assist in identifying and prioritizing projects and resource allocations to optimize value delivery and address gaps within the pipeline. Own and monitor item setup and tracking, ensuring smooth progression and to troubleshooting when needed through the GTM (Go-to-Market) process. Lead continuous improvement for ways of working and value creation against the wider business objectives.

Must have:

• External candidates: 2+ years of Project management with proven track record on innovation
• Internal candidates: 3–5 years of cross-functional experience.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and expertise in utilizing Microsoft Project for effective project planning, scheduling and scenario planning.
• Knowledge of Idea to Market E2E process.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity

Preferred:

• Experience in a CPG environment
• Knowledge and expertise in utilizing PPM to manage project lifecycle.

Skills:

• Project Management Skills, critical thinking, problem solving, cross- functional collaboration, risk management, influencing.

Competencies:

• Plans and aligns, Drives results, Balances stakeholders, ensures accountability, communicates effectively, organizational savvy, nimble learning, Manages Ambiguity.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment. The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 82,748.00 - USD 113,779.00 Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.