Strategic Project Manager – Innovation & Renovation Lead

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in Chicago is seeking a Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of renovation and innovation projects, guiding cross-functional teams from charter to post-launch review. You will drive timelines, resources and risk management while fostering collaboration and accountability.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, stakeholder management, and a proven track record of delivering projects end-to-end in a CPG environment.

Qualifications

• External candidates: 2+ years of project management with proven track record on innovation.
• Internal candidates: 3–5 years of cross-functional experience.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and expertise in utilizing Microsoft Project for effective project planning, scheduling and scenario planning.
• Knowledge of Idea to Market E2E process.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity

Responsibilities

• Lead projects in confectionery portfolio from charter to post-launch review.
• Drive cross-functional teams to meet scope, timelines and budget.
• Manage ideation, scoping, timelines, and resources.
• Identify risks, escalate issues, and ensure project resilience.
• Operate Stage & Gate framework and PPM system for disciplined execution.
• Support priority setting and resource allocations across pipeline.
• Oversee GTM processes and post-launch optimization.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Influencing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in Chicago is seeking a Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of renovation and innovation projects, guiding cross-functional teams from charter to post-launch review. You will drive timelines, resources and risk management while fostering collaboration and accountability.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, stakeholder management, and a proven track record of delivering projects end-to-end in a CPG environment.