Project Manager-Innovation

Johnson Outdoors • Racine, WI

1d

About The Position

At Johnson Outdoors, home to some of the world’s most innovative and best-known outdoor recreation brands, we create amazing outdoor experiences - for adventurers, by adventurers. Check out each of the unique Johnson Outdoor brands in Fishing, Watercraft, Camping and Diving! With 1,300 employees, 19 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, the Johnson Outdoors team is continuing to grow! This new Project Manager - Innovation will coordinate the overall timeline and track key deliverables throughout the stage gate process for new product development projects. Responsible for managing multiple projects from opportunity exploration and ideation through go-to-market planning and commercialization. Ensures the cross-functional teams are communicating effectively and next steps are clearly understood. Works closely with Brand Management to guide projects through gate reviews and collaborates with Engineering Project Management to coordinate the technical and engineering aspects of each project.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business, marketing or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management.
• Strong project management skills demonstrating the ability to establish and accomplish product development objectives and drive stage‑gate discipline.
• Proactive management and problem‑troubleshooting techniques.
• Ability to identify root causes and drive resolution of blockers.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to develop project documents and work with cross‑functional teams throughout the organization; able to present status and recommendations to leadership.
• Ability to manage projects of different complexity levels from straightforward derivative products to disruptive innovation that combines mechanical, electrical, and software development workstreams.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Monday.com is preferred.
• Certification in stage‑gate and/or project management processes is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reviews project objectives and works with cross-functional team to determine required workflows and responsibilities based on the RACI and project type to create an overall project plan for a successful launch.
• Determines project schedules and timelines based on the project plan, calculating time requirements, and sequencing project elements across cross‑functional workstreams.
• Controls and monitors project plans; reviews changes to scope, specifications, plan, and schedules—recommends actions to improve project outcomes.
• Identifies and proactively manages project risks and issues; develops mitigation/contingency plans; escalates roadblocks and decision needs to stakeholders and sponsors as appropriate.
• Drives stage‑gate readiness by coordinating inputs and ensuring timely completion of required documentation, deliverables, and gate review materials; assures process discipline within project teams.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date project documentation to ensure there is a single source of truth for the project team, leadership, and post-launch analysis.
• Communicates with project stakeholders on an ongoing basis.
• Prepares project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends; recommends actions as needed to improve outcomes.
• Supports project setup, tracking, and reporting using project management tools and systems to ensure accurate schedules, dashboards, and cross‑functional visibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Share in the company’s success with competitive base salary with additional earning potential through participation in the management bonus program, and eligibility for annual pay increases.
• Find work/life balance with generous Paid Time Off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and broad range of employee support and fitness and wellness plans.
• Further your career with performance development and training opportunities, including our tuition assistance program.
• Have fun at work, enjoy a collaborative and casual work environment, participating in fun company events, and taking advantage of great employee discounts on all our outdoor recreational products.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, college savings program, life and LTD insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees