R&D Project Leader — Global Innovation & Launch

Nestle; Fremont Township (MI); On-site; USD 91,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Broad range of benefits

Job summary

Nestlé USA leads a broad range of R&D projects for Baby Food Meals & Drinks, emphasizing consumer-centric growth and innovation from ideation to launch. You’ll drive strategic roadmaps, develop new science and technologies, and shepherd projects from front end to industrialization.

The role requires a strong PM background in FMCG, collaboration across functions, and travel up to 20% internationally. Nestlé offers a competitive rewards package and inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in PM of large-scale cross-functional projects.
• FMCG/R&D/Operations background.
• BS in Food science or related fields.
• PM certification or Nestlé PM dossier is a plus.
• Demonstrated innovation mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent coaching skills.
• Growth mindset and adaptability.
• Willing to travel 10–20% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, objectives and expectations with senior management and stakeholders.
• Lead Front-End innovation activities and distill complexity into actions.
• Align strategy for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, closing.
• Identify resource requirements and lead planning.
• Build and manage end-to-end schedule, track deadlines and report status.
• Build and maintain project budget.
• Connect science data to deliver solutions with competitive advantage.
• Proactively manage risks and mitigation plans.
• Coordinate project meetings and risk assessments.
• Engage with partners and decision makers.
• Coordinate post-launch reviews and drive continuous improvement.
• Uphold Nestlé I&R processes and tools.
• Lead cross-functional teams with coaching and influencing skills.
• Unite and energize teams behind a shared vision.
• Foster diversity of thought and constructive debate.
• Provide structure and clarity during complexity.
• Encourage collaboration and information flow.
• Minimize risk and maximize impact with agile scenarios.
• Champion project management excellence.
• Connect internally/externally to leverage knowledge.
• Coach project managers to build skills.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Coaching

Innovation mindset

Travel willingness

Education

BS in related science fields

PM certification (PMP, ITIL, COBIT) or Nestlé PM dossier

Job description

Nestlé USA leads a broad range of R&D projects for Baby Food Meals & Drinks, emphasizing consumer-centric growth and innovation from ideation to launch. You’ll drive strategic roadmaps, develop new science and technologies, and shepherd projects from front end to industrialization.

The role requires a strong PM background in FMCG, collaboration across functions, and travel up to 20% internationally. Nestlé offers a competitive rewards package and inclusive culture.