Project Manager, R&D & Innovation
About The Position
At Saje Natural Wellness, we're nature's original farmacy, blending the superpower of plants so you can remedy real life, naturally. And like nature, we're continually growing! As we continue to build our team, we're seeking talented people to join us: in our stores, support offices, and distribution centres. We are a purpose-driven, people-first organization where collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurial mindsets thrive. We look for individuals who have drive and warmth, agility and passion, and keep customer experience at the centre of everything they do. At Saje, you’ll connect with a dynamic community and make a positive impact. Join our team and grow your career, alongside the most talented, hardworking, and kind-hearted people out there. The Project Manager, R&D & Innovation, is a highly cross-functional role responsible for identifying, implementing and facilitating best-in-class project management processes within Saje’s current innovation eco-system. Reporting directly to the VP, Product, this role partners closely with the R&D, Innovation, Commercialization, Regulatory, and Operations teams. The role is responsible for taking creative inputs from R&D & Innovation and organizing them into actionable projects with clear timelines and associated deliverables. Once projects formally enter the development process, the Project Manager is responsible for coordinating and following up with all respective stakeholders until the project is ready to transition into the commercialization phase (usually after a working prototype has been developed and approved). In addition to these core responsibilities, the Project Manager, R&D & Innovation directly supports the R&D team with administrative tasks associated with new projects (Sample management, SOP development and documentation, supplier coordination etc.)
Requirements
- 5 years of project management experience preferably within the Wellness, Beauty or CPG industries
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects from concept through early-stage development, with a strong focus on organization, timelines, and deliverables
- Proven track record of implementing best-in-class project management processes
- Experience working in highly cross-functional teams, with demonstrated ability to build alignment and drive progress across diverse stakeholders (e.g., R&D, Innovation, Operations, Regulatory, Commercialization)
- Strong project planning and execution skills, including defining scope, developing timelines, tracking milestones, and managing risks
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail, and the ability to maintain clear documentation, project tracking, and reporting
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the confidence to lead meetings, drive decision-making, and ensure clarity across teams
- Proactive problem solver with a demonstrated ability to identify risks, remove barriers, and keep projects moving forward
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading a team considered an asset
Responsibilities
- Establish and implement best-in-class project management processes and tools with an emphasis on enhanced coordination between R&D and Innovation (via a Stage Gate process)
- Translate R&D and Innovation concepts into clearly scoped, actionable project plans
- Define project timelines, milestones and key deliverables across all workstreams, with a focus on the front-end innovation phase prior to commercialization
- Track progress against timelines, proactively identifying risks and mitigations
- Drive accountability and follow-through to ensure projects remain on schedule
- Maintain clear documentation of project status, decisions and key outputs
- Act as the central point of coordination across R&D, Innovation, Regulatory, Operations and Commercialization
- Align stakeholders on project scope, timelines and deliverables
- Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings, updates and decision-making forums
- Resolve cross-functional challenges and remove barriers to keep projects moving forward
- Ensure clear communication and visibility across all teams throughout the project lifecycle
- Champion collaboration and foster strong working relationships across functions
- Manage sample tracking, organization and coordination between the R&D lab and manufacturing partners
- Assist with the development, maintenance and documentation of SOPs
- Coordinate supplier interactions related to new product development
- Maintain organized project files, documentation and records
- Provide general administrative support to ensure efficient R&D operations
- Prepare projects for handoff from development into commercialization
- Ensure all deliverables—including formulations, documentation, and approvals are complete and aligned
- Coordinate closely with Commercialization team on readiness and timelines
- Support transition planning, ensuring seamless continuity from R&D to launch
- Track and resolve any outstanding issues prior to commercialization phase
- Align on final project scope, requirements and assumptions before handoff
Benefits
- Annual bonus program
- A hybrid way of working
- Flexible work hours based on business needs
- Wellness days to ensure you're taking care of your mental and physical health
- Health benefits - comprehensive health, vision and dental packages
- Paid sick days
- Generous product discount
- Full onboarding plan and onboarding buddy to help you settle in
- Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 support, resources, and information available to you and your family
- GRSP programs
- Paid time off to ensure you're resting & recharging
- Product training to help you learn about the benefits and efficacy of our 100% natural products to support your own wellness journey
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
