Senior Project Manager

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars in Chicago seeks a seasoned Senior Project Manager to lead planning and execution of complex innovation projects in the Chocolate category, guiding cross-functional teams from ideation to delivery while driving growth and improving product offerings and operational efficiencies.

You will manage ideation, scoping, timelines and resources, balancing stakeholders and ensuring accountability through data-driven decisions and Stage & Gate/PPM governance.

Qualifications

• Lead planning and execution of complex innovation projects in the Chocolate category.
• Balance stakeholders and drive accountability across cross-functional teams.
• Develop timelines, resources, and risk assessments to ensure on-time delivery.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership and ensure robust data-driven decisions.
• Navigate Stage & Gate and PPM processes to ensure disciplined execution.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Senior Project Manager for the chocolate portfolio, driving execution that supports growth, brand strategies and business priorities.
• Take full ownership of high complexity initiatives, guiding projects from charter through post-launch review.
• Simultaneously manage and lead projects of varying complexities, including capital investment initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional teams to align on project scope, allocate resources, and create detailed timelines.
• Conduct risk assessments to anticipate obstacles, proactively resolving issues and ensuring resilience.
• Facilitate identification/escalation of issues and risks to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Act as gatekeeper of Stage & Gate framework and PPM system to drive disciplined execution.

Job description

Job Description

As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading the planning and execution of complex innovation projects, steering cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle, to achieve the strategic business objectives of our Chocolate category. You will also play a role in enhancing our product offerings and operational efficiencies.

As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for leading the planning and execution of complex innovation projects, steering cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle, to achieve the strategic business objectives of our Chocolate category. 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 complex projects from inception to completion.

What will be your key responsibilities

• Serve as the Senior Project manager for the chocolate Portfolio, driving execution that directly supports growth, brand strategies and business priorities.
• Take full ownership of high complexity 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 highly complex initiatives that require capital investments to those focused on value leadership or freedom to operate.
• 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.
• Partner closely with project manager cell leads and portfolio managers to support the development and execution of the 3+3 growth