<span>Project Manager R&amp;D - New Product Development</span>

Mary Kay • Lewisville, TX

369d

About The Position

The Project Manager for R&D - New Product Development at Mary Kay Inc. is responsible for overseeing and developing multiple complex global nutrition, skin care, and cosmetic New Product Development (NPD) project timelines from initiation to product launch. This role involves collaboration with various functional representatives and management levels to ensure project deliverables and timelines are met, while also proactively assessing risks and driving issue resolution. The Project Manager acts as a change agent to promote continuous improvement initiatives across departments and project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor/University Degree with Project Management coursework preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a new product development environment with direct project management experience, preferably in the skin care/cosmetic and/or nutrition industry.
• Knowledge of project management processes and business fundamentals is critical.
• Strong out-of-the-box alternative solution thinking skills.
• 3+ years of related experience with project management in NPD, in a cosmetic/beauty industry environment or similar regulated industry.
• Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Outlook.
• Experience with Oracle Agile software is desired.
• Proficient in utilizing Gantt charts and project tracking software, such as MS Project.
• Proficient in Stage Gate and other NPD Project Management tactics.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to influence across the organization.
• Strong organizational skills, capable of managing high levels of detail and handling multiple tasks under pressure.
• Strong, assertive personality balanced with respect for others.

Nice To Haves

• PMP® Certification or equivalent certification and/or experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and support to NPD team members from various functional areas.
• Proactively address and drive project issues to resolution, escalating to senior leadership as necessary.
• Drive all aspects of the project, ensuring team members remain on track and delays are effectively addressed.
• Present projects at gate reviews to senior leadership, assessing project progress and sharing identified risks.
• Own the New Product Development project, determining the flow of the project to create the specified product.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members to create and drive multiple Project Plans, including schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Set appropriate timelines, track key milestones, and report project progress against milestones.
• Identify risks and create contingency plans based on identified risks with the project team.
• Utilize Product Lifecycle Management system to track, document, analyze, and report project progress.
• Act as a gatekeeper for all project-related items, including Project Justification and timelines.
• Aggressively monitor critical path activities and follow up with team members to ensure project stays on track.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of timeline and cross-functional interdependencies.
• Deliver the project successfully on time and within financial scope.
• Elevate issues and escalate to upper management as needed to keep the project on track.
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to upper management.
• Provide direction and guidance for project issues and drive issues to resolution.
• Build relationships with team members and functional teams to gain trust and influence.
• Schedule and conduct cross-functional team meetings, publishing meeting agendas and minutes with action items.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health plan including medical, dental, and vision with low premiums.
• 401(k) plan.
• Generous profit-sharing program.
• Free access to on-site fitness center and on-site clinic.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees