Technical Project Manager-New Products

World Kitchen, LLC, manufactures and markets bakeware, dinnerware, kitchen and household tools, rangetop cookware and cutlery products sold under well-known and trusted brands including CorningWare®, Pyrex®, CORELLE®, Revere®, EKCO®, Baker’s Secret®, Magnalite®, Chicago Cutlery®, and OLFA®.

 

World Kitchen employs approximately 2,700 people, and has major manufacturing and distribution operations in the United States, Canada, and Asia-Pacific regions. World Kitchen sells products through multiple channels, including mass merchants, department stores, specialty retailers and our own stores.

 

We are currently searching for a (New Product) Technical Project Manager to be located in our Corporate Headquarters in Rosemont, IL.

 

Purpose of Position:

Provide project management, technical and engineering leadership to the Brand Marketing, Manufacturing, and Sourcing Teams.  This person will play a leadership role in the development of new products and innovation by integrating Marketing, Design, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Engineering, Finance and Quality Control into a highly effective cross-functional team.

 

Major Responsibilities/On-going Tasks:



1. Work with Marketing, Manufacturing, Design, and Sourcing to leverage and utilize new technologies applicable to the business’ new product portfolio.  Collaborate in the development of 2‑5 year technology / innovation / product roadmaps.

2. Leader from an operations role on the Brand centric new product team.  One of 3 or 4 key personnel on all new product projects, along with Marketing, Sourcing, Design, Engineering, Quality Control, etc.

3. To be fully competent in the use of NPD Processes and Supplier Quality Management System.  To participate in audits & corrective actions, as required to maintain continuous improvement.

4. Responsible for the development and adherence to timelines, budget, cost control, progress evaluation, planning, scheduling and communication of status updates on a regular basis for new product projects.

5. Responsible for maintaining line of communication between Marketing, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and the rest of the World Kitchen organization as it relates to new product efforts and technical capabilities.

6. Responsible for maintaining communication of issues and opportunities for on-going business between cross-functional team members.

7. Throughout a project, monitor and challenge team and activities to determine that: activity conforms to project scope, costs are within budget, work is on schedule, project objectives remain valid, conflicts are surfaced and resolved, changes are identified and their risks, costs and schedule impact is assessed.

8. Schedule and conduct meetings as required to inform and secure required commitments and approvals necessary for successful project management.

9. Assure required project funding by working with cross-functional team in the preparation, presentation, and approval of required business cases and / or appropriation requests.

10. Work with Engineering Manager to insure appropriate QA testing, product drawings, product specifications, performance procedures and criteria are met.

11. Work closely with Manufacturing to plan & execute manufacturing trials to demonstrate new products’ manufacturing viability.

12. Interface with strategic sourcing personnel to insure appropriate procedures are followed, and contracts and agreements are enforced.  Secure and uphold contracts as they are defined.

13. Review and resolve product design problems, communicating resolutions to Marketing, Manufacturing, outside design firms, and / or suppliers, as needed.

 

Key Decision Areas:



·  Determine that all scopes, estimates and schedules conform to project/business objectives.

·  Authorize initiation of engineering activity and equipment procurement.

·  Determine when to escalate conflicts to obtain resolution.

·  Evaluate performance of the project team.

·  Together with Marketing, establish and maintain project/portfolio priorities.

·  Approve designs and engineering changes.

 

Criteria for Performance Evaluation:



·  Degree to which project results meet objectives for quality, schedule, cost and performance.

·  Team Building working relationship with Marketing management, Trade Marketing, Sales, factory personnel, Business Development, and Sourcing.

·  Degree of success in meeting/exceeding requirements of major responsibilities and projects.

·  Initiative to bring new ideas, technologies, processes to the cross-functional brand team.

 

Education & Experience



·  B.S. Mechanical Engineering or related technical degree.

·  5 + years new product project management experience.

·  5 + years manufacturing experience.

·  Experience in glass, ceramics, metal stamped & injection molded plastic parts

·  Demonstrated aptitude in advanced design (3D modeling / SolidWorks / ProE) & manufacturing methods (lean manufacturing / 6 sigma).

·  Advanced technical degree or MBA a plus.

 

Please send resume with salary requirements via email with the subject line: “Project Manager, NPD” to:  fphumanresource@worldkitchen.com

Local Candidates Only

No Agencies/Recruiters