Senior Project Manager

Mars • Chicago, IL

3d • $101,120 - $139,040

About The Position

The Senior Project Manager leads planning and execution of complex innovation projects for the Chocolate category, steering cross-functional teams through the project lifecycle to achieve strategic business objectives. The role also contributes to enhancing product offerings and operational efficiencies.

The position manages project ideation, scoping, timelines, and resources while fostering collaboration and creative problem-solving. It requires strong leadership, effective stakeholder management and communication, accountability, and a proven record of managing complex projects from inception to completion.

The Senior Project Manager owns high-complexity initiatives from charter development through post-launch review, manages projects of varying complexity, applies the Stage & Gate framework and PPM system, and supports the Chocolate growth pipeline. The role also monitors item setup and progress through the Go-to-Market process and leads continuous improvements in ways of working and value creation.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of project management experience, with a proven track record in innovation.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Business Administration, Project Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Knowledge and expertise in Microsoft Project for project planning, scheduling, and scenario planning.
• Knowledge of the end-to-end Idea to Market process.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a CPG environment.
• Knowledge and expertise in using PPM to manage the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Senior Project Manager for the Chocolate portfolio, driving execution in support of growth, brand strategies, and business priorities.
• Own high-complexity initiatives from initial charter development through post-launch review, ensuring delivery against objectives.
• Manage and lead projects of varying complexity, including capital investment initiatives and projects focused on value leadership or freedom to operate.
• Lead cross-functional teams to align on project scope, identify critical success factors, allocate resources, and create actionable timelines.
• Conduct risk assessments, anticipate obstacles, proactively resolve issues, and support project resilience.
• Facilitate identification and escalation of issues and risks to stakeholders, senior leadership, and/or S&OP+ forums while minimizing project disruption.
• Apply the Stage & Gate framework and PPM system to drive execution precision, team discipline, and data- and documentation-based decisions.
• Partner with project manager cell leads and portfolio managers to develop and execute the Chocolate 3+3 growth pipeline in alignment with long-term strategic objectives.
• Help identify and prioritize projects and resource allocations to optimize value delivery and address pipeline gaps.
• Collaborate with leadership to integrate pipeline goals into broader organizational strategies and ensure the pipeline delivers business impact.
• Own and monitor item setup and tracking, and troubleshoot as needed through the Go-to-Market process.
• Lead continuous improvements in ways of working and value creation against wider business objectives.

Benefits

• Company bonus.
• Medical benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• Participation in a 401k plan.
• Paid time off benefits.
• Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior