Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Forge Search is hiring a New Product Introduction Program Manager to lead NPI projects from initial scoping through product launch across retail business opportunities. The role manages cross-functional execution, project planning, risks, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder reporting while overseeing a portfolio of initiatives and improving the NPI Stage-Gate process.
Responsibilities
- Lead project team execution through the NPI Stage-Gate process to deliver NPI KPIs — on-scope, on-time, and on-budget — from project scoping through launch
- Collaborate with cross-functional team members to deliver stage deliverables at gates, including Product Management, Engineering, Channel Marketing, Brand Management, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Quality, and overseas sourcing and engineering partners
- Own project planning, including timeline, budget, resourcing, and risk mitigation
- Identify and mitigate project risks through effective assessment and action plans
- Elevate and drive resolution of red-status projects
- Drive a culture of process rigor with project teams
- Serve as the subject matter expert on project resourcing and timing within NPI product planning
- Manage the status of timelines, stage deliverables, and SKU status
- Report project status to leadership, highlighting key risks and mitigation plans
- Facilitate preparation of NPI gate presentations to the leadership team
- Manage a portfolio of projects, navigating conflicting priorities across the organization
- Contribute to continuous improvement of the NPI Stage-Gate process and the Program Management Excellence model
Skills
- 5+ years of experience in NPI Stage-Gate execution
- 3+ years as a project or program manager
- Demonstrated experience launching new products into a national retail channel
- Strong analytical capability, including evaluating and solving complex problems
- Self-motivated, with the ability to multitask and thrive in a timeline-driven environment with competing priorities
- Strong leadership skills and business acumen
- Proven ability to navigate large organizations to keep projects and the Stage-Gate process on track
- Drive for results, a bias toward urgency, and the ability to embrace and lead change
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business Administration from an accredited college or university. MBA preferred
- Microsoft Project or Smartsheet and Sprint or Agile experience preferred
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