CandyCo LLC
Food Manufacturing Project Manager | Chocolate Industry
CandyCo LLC, Lindon, Utah, United States, 84042
Overview
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 thrive in fast-paced environments while balancing competing priorities. This role accelerates speed-to-market with finesse, efficiency, and excellence.
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, control scope changes, minimize risks, and ensure 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 and provide timely updates on status, timelines, and milestones.
Collaborate with customers to align on specifications, packaging requirements, and launch expectations.
Coordinate client visits, trials, and sample reviews, ensuring a professional solutions-oriented experience.
Packaging, Dielines & Regulatory Oversight: Create, review, and manage packaging dielines with design partners; conduct fit tests for compliance; manage artwork approvals and regulatory reviews; oversee validation processes and quality verifications.
Operational Execution: Oversee new item setup (product specs, UPCs, BOMs, batch sheets); coordinate procurement and delivery of ingredients, packaging, and equipment; manage trials, production runs, and customer visits; oversee sample production and distribution; ensure flawless launch-day execution with R&D, QA, and Production.
Continuous Improvement: Conduct post-project reviews; cross-train and provide backup; promote best practices in project management.
Skills & Attributes
Client-facing communicator – professional, personable, 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 – leads cross-functional groups and engages stakeholders.
Problem-solver – 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.
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 posted by ApplicantPro
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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 thrive in fast-paced environments while balancing competing priorities. This role accelerates speed-to-market with finesse, efficiency, and excellence.
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, control scope changes, minimize risks, and ensure 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 and provide timely updates on status, timelines, and milestones.
Collaborate with customers to align on specifications, packaging requirements, and launch expectations.
Coordinate client visits, trials, and sample reviews, ensuring a professional solutions-oriented experience.
Packaging, Dielines & Regulatory Oversight: Create, review, and manage packaging dielines with design partners; conduct fit tests for compliance; manage artwork approvals and regulatory reviews; oversee validation processes and quality verifications.
Operational Execution: Oversee new item setup (product specs, UPCs, BOMs, batch sheets); coordinate procurement and delivery of ingredients, packaging, and equipment; manage trials, production runs, and customer visits; oversee sample production and distribution; ensure flawless launch-day execution with R&D, QA, and Production.
Continuous Improvement: Conduct post-project reviews; cross-train and provide backup; promote best practices in project management.
Skills & Attributes
Client-facing communicator – professional, personable, 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 – leads cross-functional groups and engages stakeholders.
Problem-solver – 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.
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 posted by ApplicantPro
#J-18808-Ljbffr