Senior Project Manager, Innovation

Ornua; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Flexible working

Kerrygold products

Fitness reimbursement

Job summary

Ornua Foods North America is seeking a Senior Project Manager – Innovation to lead cross‑functional teams from concept through commercialization, aligning with brand strategy and objectives. This role drives Kerrygold growth through consumer‑centric innovation and operational improvement initiatives in a fast‑paced environment.

The ideal candidate brings 6+ years in project management within CPG, strong leadership, and a collaborative mindset, with a willingness to travel to support delivery and

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Project Management experience, ideally within CPG or a fast‑paced consumer brand environment, with a proven track record in innovation delivery.
• PMP or comparable Project Management certification preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership of large‑scale transformation, new product development, or change management programs.
• Proven ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships and influence at all organizational levels.
• Highly collaborative, with a passion for creating and delivering consumer‑centric innovation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive cross‑functional solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences and influence key decisions.
• Comfortable with both hands‑on project execution and strategic leadership responsibilities.
• Positive, entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for delivering business value through innovation.
• Willingness to travel as required to support project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• End‑to‑End Project Leadership: Lead the delivery of high‑impact innovation and operational projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with strategic brand and business objectives.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Drive cross‑functional teams — including R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial — to deliver innovation at pace, balancing speed‑to‑market with quality and compliance.
• Project Planning & Governance: Develop robust project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk frameworks using best‑in‑class CPG project management methodologies and tools.
• Agile Ways of Working: Champion agile methodologies, fostering a culture of experimentation, rapid learning, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage and influence senior stakeholders, translating strategic objectives into actionable project plans and measurable deliverables.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify barriers to project success and lead mitigation strategies to maintain momentum and delivery excellence.
• Communication & Reporting: Ensure clear communication throughout the project lifecycle, tailoring messaging for diverse audiences from production teams to executive leadership.
• Change Leadership & Coaching: Support and coach team members and people managers through change, building capability for innovation and resilience.
• Process Excellence: Share best practices and help standardize innovation processes across the business.
• Governance & Support: Provide structured governance, reporting, and coaching for innovation projects in line with business requirements.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Agile methodologies

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Company Background

The most important element of our company background is our purpose. We are a dairy cooperative of cooperatives. That means we exist to create value for our cooperatives and the 14,000 Irish family dairy farms they support. This purpose shapes how we operate, fuels our ambition to win, and anchors our commitment to long‑term sustainability.

Senior Project Manager – Innovation

Reports to: Director, PMO

Location: Evanston, IL (Hybrid)

Company Background

The most important element of our company background is our purpose. We are a dairy cooperative of cooperatives. That means we exist to create value for our cooperatives and the 14,000 Irish family dairy farms they support. This purpose shapes how we operate, fuels our ambition to win, and anchors our commitment to long‑term sustainability.

Ornua is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy, exporting to over 110 countries with annualised sales of €3.4 billion.

We are multinational, operating from 19 subsidiaries worldwide and employing over 2,600 staff. Ornua has teams working in‑market across the globe, from Algiers to Beijing, to Lagos and LA. You may recognize the iconic Kerrygold brand, as well as the Pilgrims Choice, Dubliner, Forto, and BEO Milk Powder brands. Our Ingredients division supplies superior quality dairy ingredients to leading global food manufacturers from technically advanced manufacturing and pre‑packing facilities located in Africa, China, Ireland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the UK, and the US.

Ornua Foods North America Inc. is headquartered in Evanston, IL, with additional teams located across the US. The consumer foods portfolio spans butter, cheese, and dairy powders.

The North America division is a powerhouse within Ornua, with an iconic and beloved brand and a highly engaged, inclusive, and high-performing team that has delivered double‑digit, profitable growth for the last twenty years.

Role Summary

The Senior Project Manager – Innovation is a critical member of the Ornua Foods North America PMO team. This role is essential to driving Kerrygold’s continued growth through consumer‑centric innovation and operational improvement initiatives. The Senior Project Manager leads cross‑functional teams to deliver new products and business capabilities with excellence, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and organizational priorities.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• End‑to‑End Project Leadership: Lead the delivery of high‑impact innovation and operational projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with strategic brand and business objectives.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Drive cross‑functional teams — including R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial — to deliver innovation at pace, balancing speed‑to‑market with quality and compliance.
• Project Planning & Governance: Develop robust project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk frameworks using best‑in‑class CPG project management methodologies and tools.
• Agile Ways of Working: Champion agile methodologies, fostering a culture of experimentation, rapid learning, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage and influence senior stakeholders, translating strategic objectives into actionable project plans and measurable deliverables.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify barriers to project success and lead mitigation strategies to maintain momentum and delivery excellence.
• Communication & Reporting: Ensure clear communication throughout the project lifecycle, tailoring messaging for diverse audiences from production teams to executive leadership.
• Change Leadership & Coaching: Support and coach team members and people managers through change, building capability for innovation and resilience.
• Process Excellence: Share best practices and help standardize innovation processes across the business.
• Governance & Support: Provide structured governance, reporting, and coaching for innovation projects in line with business requirements.

Key Requirements

• 6+ years of Project Management experience, ideally within CPG or a fast‑paced consumer brand environment, with a proven track record in innovation delivery.
• PMP or comparable Project Management certification preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership of large‑scale transformation, new product development, or change management programs.
• Proven ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships and influence at all organizational levels.
• Highly collaborative, with a passion for creating and delivering consumer‑centric innovation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive cross‑functional solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences and influence key decisions.
• Comfortable with both hands‑on project execution and strategic leadership responsibilities.
• Positive, entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for delivering business value through innovation.
• Willingness to travel as required to support project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Key Attributes

• RIGOUR: Demonstrates excellence in project execution, analysis, decision‑making, and continuous improvement.
• FORWARD‑LOOKING: Leads teams through change, anticipates trends, and contributes to competitive strategy.
• OWNERSHIP: Takes accountability for delivery, quality, and sustainable growth; recognizes and rewards success.
• WORKING TOGETHER: Fosters an inclusive, collaborative, innovative culture across the organization.

Benefits

Total Rewards at Ornua Foods North America include a competitive salary and annual bonus scheme. Additional benefits include low‑cost Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage; 401(k); Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; flexible working; Fitness Reimbursement; Charity Donation; complimentary Kerrygold products; free parking and secure bicycle storage; free healthy snacks and drinks in the office; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; and Service Awards. The salary range for this role is $114,000 to $130,000 and the candidate will be offered a salary commensurate with their level of experience.