M

Mars

Global confectionery, food, and petcare company

Senior Project Manager

Program ManagementConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeChicago, IL, USAHybrid

About the Job

Requirements

  • At least 5 years of project management experience, with a proven track record managing cross-functional projects.
  • A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related discipline.
  • Knowledge and expertise using Microsoft Project for project planning, scheduling, and scenario planning.
  • Knowledge of end-to-end processes.
  • Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
  • Comfort navigating ambiguity.

Responsibilities

  • Lead planning and end-to-end execution of multiple complex Value Leadership projects simultaneously, steering cross-functional teams through the project lifecycle to achieve strategic business objectives and Value Leadership targets.
  • Manage project ideation, scoping, timelines, and resources across concurrent initiatives while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creative problem-solving.
  • Serve as the Senior Project Manager for Value Leadership, driving execution that directly supports Value Leadership targets.
  • Take full ownership of high-complexity initiatives, guiding projects from initial charter development through post-launch review and ensuring delivery against objectives.
  • Simultaneously manage and lead projects of varying complexity, from capital investment initiatives to projects focused on value leadership.
  • Lead cross-functional teams across functions to align on project scope, identify critical success factors, allocate resources, and create detailed, actionable timelines.
  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to anticipate obstacles, resolve issues proactively, and ensure project resilience.
  • Facilitate identification and escalation of issues and risks to relevant stakeholders, senior leadership, and/or S&OP+ forums while minimizing project disruption.
  • Act as gatekeeper of the Stage & Gate framework and PPM system, using the methodology to drive execution precision, team discipline, and decisions supported by robust data and documentation.
  • Partner with the VL Program Manager and VL Project Managers to support project development and execution in support of short- and long-term strategic objectives.
  • Assist in identifying and prioritizing projects and resource allocations to optimize value delivery and address pipeline gaps.
  • Collaborate with leadership to integrate pipeline goals into broader organizational strategies and ensure the pipeline is sufficient to deliver meaningful business impact.
  • Own and monitor item setup and tracking, ensuring smooth progression and troubleshooting issues through the go-to-market process.
  • Lead continuous improvements in ways of working and value creation against wider business objectives.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in a consumer packaged goods environment.
  • Knowledge and expertise using PPM to manage the project lifecycle.

About the Company

Mars

Global confectionery, food, and petcare company

Mars makes confectionery, food, and petcare products and also operates pet health services through networks like Banfield, VCA, BluePearl, and Royal Canin. Its products are marketed under familiar brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, Milky Way, Skittles, Dove, Orbit, Pedigree, Royal Canin, Whiskas, and Cocoavia, sold globally to consumers and pet owners. The company differs from competitors by combining a broad, diversified portfolio with a global, family-owned structure guided by the Mars Principles (Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, Freedom), which drives its operations and partnerships. Mars aims to help communities prosper and to grow its business while improving social and environmental outcomes, using its scale to support responsible practices across the world.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
Debt Financing
Total funding
$27B
Headquarters
McLean, VA
Founded
1911

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