Senior Project Management Specialist

Nestlé S.A.; Michigan; On-site; USD 91,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Healthcare coverage

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Nestlé USA is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to lead diverse research and development initiatives within Nestlé Nutrition's Global Baby Food Meals & Drinks category. You will drive science, technology, and product launches from Front End through industrialization to launch, collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes consumer-centric innovation, strategic roadmaps, and rigorous project governance, including risk management and post-launch reviews.

Qualifications

• Proven 5+ years in project management of large cross-functional/multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience in FMCG, R&D, or Operations/Manufacturing is preferred.
• BS in Food science, Biology, Chemistry, Packaging, or related sciences.
• Demonstrated innovation mindset with consumer and business focus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to lead teams and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel 10–20% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, objectives, and expectations with senior management.
• Lead front-end innovation activities and translate complexity into action.
• Plan, execute, monitor, and close projects with cross-functional teams.
• Develop end-to-end project schedules, budgets, and risk plans.
• Coordinate meetings, track status, and report progress to stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Travel planning

Education

BS in related science fields

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

JOB SUMMARY:

Lead and manage awide rangeofcomplex research anddevelopmentprojectsforNestléNutrition's Global Baby Food Meals & Drinks Category,withaconsumer-centric,growthmindset,and passion for innovation.Includesthedevelopment ofnew science & technologies, new product launches, development of strategic roadmaps & pipelines,and new concept development. Lead projectsfrom the front end of innovation through industrialization andtolaunch.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the definition and communication of project scope,objectives,and expectations in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders


• Navigate andfacilitateFront-End innovationactivities, distilling complexity and ambiguity and swiftly creating actionstoenabledecision making


• Align on the strategy and approach for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing the project


• Identifythe project resource requirements and lead project planning


• Build and manage the end-to-end project schedule,definethe critical path, trackactivities to ensure functional team members are meeting agreed upon deadlines,generate,and communicatestatus reports, and escalated critical issues


• Build andmaintainproject budget


• Connect Science and Technologydata,factsandpeople to deliversolutions with competitive advantage


• Proactivelymanageroadblocks and risk mitigation plans


• Coordinate andfacilitateproject meetings including kick-off meetings, project team meetings, risk assessments, andadditionalmeetings asrequired


• Engage and communicate effectively with partners, stakeholders, and decision makers


• Coordinate andfacilitatepost launch reviewsand communicate key learningsand proposed continuous improvement actions


• Responsible for the consistent application, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement of Nestlé’s I&R processes and tools


• Apply coaching and influencing skillstoleadcross-functional and multidisciplinary teams, by embracing details and ambiguity while keeping a general view to reduce complexity and to strive for rapid but informed management decisions


• Unite and energize team members behind a shared vision,guiding and motivating them to achieve project objectives


• Create an environment that encourages diversity of thought and constructive challenge/debate


• Bring structure,transparency,and clarity to project teams during times of complexity,chaosand/or ambiguity


• Foster collaboration amongst team members, ensuring effective information flow andtimelyresolution of challenges


• Minimize riskand increase project impact by creating alternative scenarios in an agile way to ensure project performance in terms of quality, speed, cost


• Be the guardian of project management excellence by mastering tools and coaching peers and project team members to deliver the highest value


• Connectinternally and externally toidentifyopportunities toleverageknowledge and to enhance competitive advantage


• Coach Project Managers to build their skill sets

JOBQUALIFICATIONS (Education, Experience and Knowledge):

• Proven (at least five years) experience in project management of large-scale cross-functional and multidisciplinary projects with high business impact, preferably in a research / innovation driven environment


• Experience in FMCG industry, in R&D and/or Operations/Manufacturing


• BSin related science fields (e.g.,Foodscience, Material sciences, Agricultural or Environmental sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Packaging,or related sciences)


• Demonstrated Innovation mindset, with Consumer, Customer and Business Opportunity thinking


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills withtheability to lead, energize and steer multifunctional teamsandto collaborate effectively with stakeholders.


• Excellent coaching skills


• Demonstratedgrowthmindset, with agility, courage, curiosity and resilience, adaptability to navigate in uncertain and ambiguous contexts and embracingrisk mindset


• Ability to travel 10 - 20%, domestically and internationally.

Salary: $90,719.10 to $127,989 per year

Bonus Eligibility: 7%

The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace. To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.