Job Overview:

The Project Manager plays a critical role in management, execution and reporting of all UNFI Brands+ projects with the brand and item lifecycle. Projects span across 18 brands – exclusive Private Brand and non-exclusive Blue Marble Brands. This includes new item launches, maintenance and regulatory compliance, and item rationalization projects. The Project Manager is a key collaborator with cross-functional business partners within the department: PD/QA/Regulatory, Brand Management, Product Business Management and Package Design. The role is a primary contact with 400+ supplier partners as part of each project; and is responsible for training and system administrative duties related to our project management software (TraceOne). The Project Manager is accountable for keeping projects on track, driving the team to deliver against project objectives, and reporting against key milestones.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

Oversees project management of all food and non-food products (5,000+) across UNFI Brands portfolio to include reporting and management of all potential new items submitted to Ideation, monitoring status of all approved projects moving to Feasibility, and initiating/tracking all new item and maintenance projects.

·        Lead meetings on all Brands+ item projectsthat include UNFI Product Business Managers, Innovation, Brand Marketing, Packaging, and Product Development to enable development of new products and improvement of existing items.

·       Manage interdependencies and connections between functions and ensure visibility and alignment so that project deliverables are achieved

·       Inform key project stakeholders (including Suppliers) of documentation gaps and/or timing opportunities

Develop and manage all project written forms and lead all changes to Product Lifecycle System with our software partner TraceOne.

·       Develop and update Project Kickoff forms and processes

·       Develop and update Project Timeline trackers

·       Develop timelines (Gantt charts) for the tracking of deliverables and task interdependencies

·       Create and execute maintenance updates to PLM work processes and specification templates

·       Manage all project initiation and completion in both written form and in the TraceOne system

Lead Key Department project initiatives including Brand repositioning, government regulatory compliance changes and functional compliance

·       Provide cadenced reporting to brand and product regulatory compliance by managing specialized project trackers

·       Provide updates to leadership and key stakeholders on brand repositioning (redesign) projects

·       Provide progress reports against goals for completion that will allow sales team to report progress to retailer

·       Identify and escalate project risks to cross-functional team and leadership (as needed).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Management, Computer Science, Project Management, or related field required

Experience:

·       4+ years of project management or related business field required

·       Experience in CPG, Private Label or distributor project management preferred

·       Experience with retail or wholesale/distribution preferred

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

·       Knowledge of project management including systems

·       Ability to apply project management principles including, but not limited to, identifying critical paths, building, and communicating timelines, defining milestones and methods for setting expectations and accountability.

·       Motivated and acts with a sense of urgency

·       Adaptable to shifting priorities and innovative with solutions

·       Peer-leadership of a cross-functional team to create alignment and smooth execution of projects

·       Excellent organizational, written, and verbal skills with strong attention to detail

·       Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with PM management workspace collaboration tool

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.