Innovation Project Manager

Ingredion Incorporated•Bridgewater, NJ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

About Ingredion: Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create. Location: Bridgewater, NJ Workplace type: On-Site/Hybrid (4 days/week on-site & 1 day/week remote) As a Innovation Project Manager, you will: Lead the project design, planning, activation, execution, integration and evolution of the projects to advance an Innovation Operating Model from the end-to-end value stream of ideation to launch. The Project Manager will coordinate cross‑functional teams, define goals and deliverables, manage schedules and resources, monitor risks and issues, and communicate progress to stakeholders. Overall, the project manager serves as the central point of execution accountability to ensure successful project outcomes. You’ll be the go‑to owner for execution, keeping work on track, risks managed, and stakeholders informed. This role is a central execution owner for the design and implementation of our Innovation Operating Model by translating strategy into coordinated action. This role is a central execution owner for the design and implementation of our Innovation Operating Model by translating strategy into coordinated action.

Requirements

7–10+ years of experience leading complex projects and portfolios, ideally within innovation‑driven or matrixed organizations.
Strong command of modern project and delivery methodologies, including agile and waterfall approaches; PMP or equivalent certification preferred.
Proficiency with project and portfolio management tools to track progress, enable transparency, and optimize team performance.
A data‑driven mindset, using insights and metrics to inform decisions, manage risk, and deliver demonstrable business outcomes.
Executive‑level communication and presence, with the ability to synthesize complexity, deliver compelling narratives, and tailor messages across senior leaders, teams, and partners.
A strategic and conceptual thinker with a track record of identifying complex problems, forming hypotheses, translating analysis into action, and mobilizing teams to deliver results.
A skilled facilitator and change agent who enables productive dialogue, challenges the status quo, and keeps teams focused, aligned, and energized around outcomes.
Comfortable operating with senior leaders, proactively shaping discussions, influencing decisions, and navigating ambiguity—not simply reporting status but driving clarity and momentum.
A pragmatic problem solver with a strong sense of what is achievable, balancing rigor with a “real‑work” understanding of organizational constraints.
A hands‑on leader of cross‑functional teams, promoting collaboration, clarifying roles and accountability, resolving conflict, and driving high standards of delivery.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and governance of an Innovation Operating Model project portfolio, aligned to Innovation strategic business plans.
Design and implement operating model capabilities including governance, stage‑gate workflows, portfolio management, tools, and future‑state processes that drive transformation and continuous improvement.
Own end‑to-end workstream delivery from initiation through closure, applying standard and agile project management methodologies, change control, and audit requirements.
Ensure workstreams are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to defined business objectives and success metrics.
Develop and maintain workstream charters that clearly define objectives, scope, success factors, approach, resources, budget, milestones, and timelines; negotiate clear boundaries on deliverables and scope.
Build, lead, and enable high‑performing project teams, including role clarity, task assignment, performance management, and internal and external resource coordination.
Marshal resources (people, funding, materials, and partners) to resolve constraints and maintain delivery momentum across a complex, matrixed environment.
Proactively manage risks, issues, dependencies, and scope, conducting regular project reviews and ensuring transparency with team members and stakeholders.
Prepare and support steering committees with senior business and Innovation leaders, providing clear status updates, decision framing, and timely escalation of issues.
Facilitate alignment and working sessions to resolve differences related to scope, ownership, responsibilities, and execution approaches.
Strengthen enterprise project management capabilities by establishing, reinforcing, and sharing best practices, standards, and tools.
Drive outcomes through influence and negotiation, successfully operating without direct line management authority.

Benefits

Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities.
Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
Employee Referral Program – Refer top talent and earn a bonus if they’re hired

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