Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

CandyCo is seeking a highly organized, client-facing Project Manager to lead and coordinate manufactured food projects for major brands. The Project Manager serves as the "quarterback" for projects ranging from new product launches to packaging updates, regulatory changes, and customer-driven initiatives. This role manages the full lifecycle of projects-from inception to completion-ensuring on-time delivery, compliance with retailer and regulatory standards, and seamless collaboration across departments.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with retailer portals (e.g., Walmart, Target, Amazon), 1WorldSync, ERP systems, and packaging workflows. They bring a blend of big-picture perspective and attention to detail, thriving in fast-paced environments while balancing competing priorities. This role is central to CandyCo's ability to accelerate speed-to-market with finesse, efficiency, and excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Coordination

• Serve as the lead for assigned projects, collaborating with Sales, R&D, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and Customer Service.
• Develop project briefs and detailed roadmaps with defined timelines, dependencies, owners, and resource requirements.
• Assign and coordinate project teams, controlling scope changes, minimizing risks, and ensuring accountability across stakeholders.
• Lead project update meetings, maintain timelines, track deliverables, and prepare progress reports.
• Proactively identify potential conflicts or bottlenecks, escalating issues and resolving them quickly.

Client Communication & Relationship Management

• Act as a client-facing contact for assigned projects.
• Provide timely updates to clients on project status, timelines, and key milestones.
• Collaborate directly with customers to align on specifications, packaging requirements, and launch expectations.
• Coordinate client visits, trials, and sample reviews, ensuring a professional and solutions-oriented experience.

Packaging, Dielines & Regulatory Oversight

• Create, review, and manage packaging dielines in collaboration with design partners.
• Conduct packaging fit tests to ensure compliance with retailer and regulatory requirements.
• Manage artwork approvals and regulatory reviews, coordinating with QA, Operations, and external partners.
• Oversee validation processes and manage quality verifications.

Operational Execution

• Oversee new item setup, including product specification sheets, UPCs, BOMs, and batch sheets.
• Coordinate procurement and delivery of ingredients, packaging, and equipment.
• Manage scheduling for trials, production runs, and customer visits.
• Oversee sample production and distribution for customers.
• Ensure flawless execution on launch day, coordinating with R&D, QA, and Production.

Continuous Improvement

• Conduct post-project reviews to identify successes, opportunities, and process improvements.
• Cross-train and provide backup for other Project Managers to ensure coverage across customers and facilities.
• Contribute to team development and promote best practices in project management.

Skills & Attributes

• Client-facing communicator – professional, personable, and proactive in managing customer relationships.
• Action-oriented leader – drives results and keeps projects moving forward.
• Detail-driven & organized – able to juggle multiple priorities with precision.
• Collaborative team player – skilled at leading cross-functional groups and engaging stakeholders.
• Problem-solver – quickly identifies risks, mitigates issues, and adapts plans to ensure success.
• Big-picture thinker – understands strategic goals while managing execution details.
• Flexible & resilient – thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

Required:

• BA/BS degree in Business, Operations, Food Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in project management or operations leadership within the food, CPG, or retail industry.
• Familiarity with retailer portals (e.g., Walmart, Target, POL, 1WorldSync).
• Experience managing dielines, conducting fit tests, and overseeing packaging workflows.
• Strong project management skills with proven ability to deliver on time and within scope.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with ERP, EDI, or PIM systems.
• Knowledge of design/branding companies (e.g., Schawk, Equator, Sun Branding, Periscope).
• Prior exposure to plant operations, QA processes, and customer audits.
• PMP or other project management certification a plus.

Working Conditions

• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, or holidays as necessary.
• Requires a mix of desk work and facility walkthroughs.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, and perform general mobility tasks.
• Compliance with safety protocols, PPE requirements, and workplace ergonomics.
• Must be an avid Safety Champion and adhere to all safety programs and procedures

Physical Requirements When on Production Floor

• A non-slip resistant work shoe
• Hair restraint, beard net (if needed), and Safety gloves as needed
• All required PPEs are worn properly when working with equipment or chemicals that require personal protection
• Position requires the ability to: stand, sit at a desk, walking around the facility, lifting and carrying up t0 50-LBS unassisted, reaching, kneeling, crawling, and twisting
• Also requires the ability to: see, hear, and communicate with associates as well as others by utilizing professional etiquette

Why Join Us

At CandyCo, you'll have the opportunity to drive meaningful projects from concept to launch, working directly with clients and internal teams to deliver best-in-class food products. This is a dynamic role for someone who thrives on variety, collaboration, and delivering results that directly impact business growth. You'll be part of a team that values problem-solving, initiative, and continuous improvement.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs