Sr. Manager, Global Initiative Leader

Wella Operations US LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 108,750 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off (PTO)

Annual bonus plan

Job summary

Wella Operations US LLC in New York is searching for a Global Initiative Leader (GIL) to manage cross-functional projects focused on product launches and Supply Chain design.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in Supply Chain management and a strong project management background, driving initiatives to successful conclusions.

This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure readiness and fast issue resolution.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Supply Chain and Project/Initiative Management (FMCG).
• Proven project management experience (2–3+ years).
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Leads and manages projects through the stage-gate process.
• Coordinates cross-functional teams for aligned execution.
• Drives delivery of innovation and new launches.

Skills

Supply Chain Management

Project Management

NPD and Stage-Gate Processes

Advanced Excel

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Job description

Location: New York, US.

Reports to: Director, Global Initiative Management leader

Direct Reports: N/A

GLOBAL INITIATIVE LEADER (GIL)

The Global Initiative Leader (GIL) is responsible for leading a cross‑functional team to develop and execute a comprehensive initiative plan that delivers in‑market success and strong business results. Leveraging expertise in initiative systems, the GIL collaborates closely with multifunctional stakeholders—particularly R&D, Commercial/Brand Leader and Go‑to‑Market Leader—to ensure all learning, qualification, and execution activities are effectively completed in support of a successful launch.

The GIL manages a portfolio of projects aligned with business priorities, across new product launches and Supply Chain design.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and manages projects through the stage‑gate process, ensuring robust preparation and execution.
• Owns a portfolio of initiatives using clear Critical Path Schedules (CPS), aligned dependencies, and milestone tracking.
• Drives delivery of innovation, new launches, margin improvement, and compliance projects.
• Ensures clarity of objectives, success criteria, and full readiness (technical, commercial, financial) at launch.
• Coordinates cross-functional teams (Brand, Markets, R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, Regulatory, QA) for aligned execution.
• Partners with stakeholders to deliver a strong pipeline that supports strategy, growth, and profitability.
• Synthesizes inputs into clear recommendations for leadership decisions.
• Embeds learnings across projects to continuously improve speed, quality, and effectiveness.
• Acts as the single point of contact for governance, clearly framing risks, trade-offs, and recommendations.
• Proactively identifies, manages, and escalates risks to ensure timely mitigation and decision‑making.
• Drives alignment with leadership, ensuring adherence to launch strategies or recommending adjustments as needed.
• Leads crisis and alert processes, mobilizing teams for rapid response and resolution.
• Oversees escalation plans, ensuring strong structure, follow‑through, and fast issue resolution.
• Leads through influence, coaching teams to operate effectively within the stage‑gate process.
• Ensures coordinated, high‑quality execution across functions, delivering on time, cost, and scope.
• Builds capability by coaching team members and strengthening initiative management practices.
• Effectively delegates, monitors progress, and ensures high standards of delivery.
• Drives adoption of tools, methodologies, and best practices across teams.
• Supports smooth transition from planning to execution, ensuring continuity and proactive issue resolution.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years in Supply Chain and Project/Initiative Management (FMCG)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field
• Proven project management experience (2–3+ years)
• Strong understanding of NPD and Stage‑Gate processes
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project
• Experience in Supply Chain (Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement) or R&D
• Exposure to manufacturing environments and cross‑functional teams (Packaging, Process, Production)
• Influences and aligns stakeholders
• Leads with clarity, pace, and strong results focus
• Builds collaborative, cross‑functional relationships
• Adapts leadership style to people and situations
• Provides clear, timely feedback
• Communicates simply to enable decisions
• Takes ownership and delivers on commitments
• Simplifies complexity and prioritizes what matters
• Uses data and judgment to solve problems
• Acts with urgency while maintaining quality

We disclose the compensation range for positions in compliance with local law. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, skills and in comparison to internal incumbents currently in similar roles. Pay Range: $108,750 - $145,000 salary per year. The range listed is just one component of Wella Company's total rewards package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus plan or variable pay, depending on the role. In addition, Wella Company provides a rich variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

EEO OPPORTUNITIES

We offer equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Wella Company with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us at: https://www.wellacompany.com/consumer-affairs

We strongly believe that cultivating a diverse workplace gives a company strength. The combination of unique skills, abilities, experiences and backgrounds creates an environment that produces extraordinary results. EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled.

ENGLISH

Please click on this link to review the Notification of Equal Opportunity Rights poster