Manager - NPI

POSITION SUMMARY:

The NPI Coordinator is responsible to navigate/execute/ensure all New Product Introduction (NPI) launches are managed, monitored, and executed flawlessly. This individual will work with all teams involved in the NPI process such as R&D, Ops, Finance, Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Packaging and Quality to help navigate the stage gate process and ensure smooth transitions of product from development to commercialization. This individual will record data, build timelines, and hold all parties accountable for meeting their commitments to this process. Finally, this individual will have professional interaction must be eager to engage at high levels in all forms of communication with customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Initial:

Support commercialization process redesign and future state implementation, including preparation and organization of workshops, documentation of findings and formulation of optimized process.

• Substantially contribute to the scheduling and agenda for meeting guidelines and platforms (Forum meetings, NPI meetings, weekly project update meetings).
• Support the development and improvement of the project progress tracking, project standardization, and tracking tools.

Continuous:

• Collaborate with sales, R&D, supply chain (purchasing, packaging, planning and logistics) and manufacturing to support the commercialization process. Management of multiple projects at a time.
• Monitor and document project progress and intervene when major obstacles arise.
• Serve as a key figure to support project progress and communication between various departments.
• Identify process bottlenecks and contribute to the solution of problems and challenges.
• Support the reviews, upon completion of new product introductions, to verify product performance (manufacturability, quality, financial) as projected.
• Assume major role in the collection of and documentation of lessons learned and creation of future improvement processes.
• Willingness to participate in production floor related activities such as technology training, plant trials, customer audits, etc.
• Provides project timelines to external and internal teams and aligns project expectations to meet deadlines in the project.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Highest level of integrity and care for customer/food safety, employee health and safety, and the company overall.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Vibrant personality with an ability to form robust, high performing working relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Solid ability to foster and encourage teamwork and strong team communication.
• Ability to lead others. Responsibility includes mentoring/leading project teams.
• Self-directed, change agent, energizer, technically proficient (self manages)
• Visions / strategizes while driving directives at a granular level
• Highly organized / proven multi-tasker
• Proven leadership skills - engages staff but with confidence and authority
• Mobilizer - can quickly assess a situation, required resources and drive execution
• Hands-on, collaborative, high energy, with a can-do attitude.
• A strong ability to form relationships, build teams and gain buy in from functional counterparts.
• A positive, proactive, problem solver passionate to go above and beyond to serve the customer relationship.
• Lead training events related to process improvement, project management tool use and change, and the overall NPI process for new users.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree is preferable. Minimum of two year's project management experience. Food industry experience preferable.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate programs using required presentations and reviews to company senior leadership, board and/or customers.
• Demonstrated knowledge and capability to handle many projects from concept development through production launch.
• Ability to understand and learn about technology related to nutritional bar and powder development.
• Proficient in computer tools and systems (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Experience with project management software tools is helpful.

At Nellson, we invest in highly talented individuals and provide them with opportunities to continuously learn and grow to realize their full potential. Our state-of-the-art facilities, warehouses, and corporate offices offer a knowledgeable and professional environment to employees. By joining our performance-oriented team, you will be able to put your expertise to use and positively impact many groups across our production process.

Nellson offers competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and an outstanding benefits program that features:

* Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

* Generous Paid Time Off

* 401(k) with Company Match

* Flexible schedules

* Professional Development & Tuition Reimbursement

* And Many More Employee-Friendly Programs!

Nellson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law. You may visit our website at www.nellsonllc.com to view current job openings.