Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.
Product Introduction (PI) Manager
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., Oakland, Mississippi, United States, 38948
Product Introduction (PI) Manager
– Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.
Overview The Product Introduction (PI) Manager leads the development and commercialization of new and revised food product projects and processes. The role ensures effective development, vertical startup of in‑plant processes, execution of equipment and ingredient testing, and analysis of manufacturing efficiencies.
Responsibilities
Develop project teams and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support company product and process launch and sustainment initiatives.
Initiate, direct, and manage the design, testing, development, qualification, verification, and modification of products and processes from conception to implementation, ensuring manufacturability of the concept.
Communicate project status, critical‑path tasks, and project updates to Plant Leadership.
Escalate project delays with proposed solutions to Plant Leadership.
Facilitate and evaluate project risk management, and develop teams and processes to mitigate risk (JEM).
Facilitate internal project team meetings and calls with external vendors.
Escalate project issues and risks to functional and cross‑functional management in a timely fashion.
Create and maintain accurate product bill of materials, routings, flow charts, process control and centerline documentation for new and updated products in compliance with ISO/SQF and other applicable management systems.
Evaluate current production processes, manufacturing equipment, and labor, and recommend process development and efficiency improvements to R&D, Operations, and technical support teams.
Collaborate with personnel across Product Introduction, R&D, purchasing, finance, legal, and other teams to ensure alignment around key business objectives.
Collaborate with TPM teams to integrate projects into TPM systems (e.g., Autonomous Maintenance, Proactive Maintenance, Focused Improvement, Early Management).
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Project Management, or related discipline and a minimum of 2 years of experience in product management, product development, food manufacturing, or a relevant field.
Project Management certificate preferred.
Experience in Early Management of TPM preferred.
Practical experience managing complex, cross‑functional projects, specifically in the Frozen Foods industry.
Experience using Project Management software to build timelines and manage resources, risks, and costs.
Excellent written, communication and organizational skills.
Ability to achieve business results by working effectively with colleagues at diverse levels, functions, and priorities, as both a team player and a team leader.
Must communicate with management with timely, candid, and accurate information, options, and recommendations.
Capability to juggle numerous projects simultaneously, work well under deadline pressure, and prioritize workload against deadlines and the strategic importance of programs.
Willingness to travel to other facilities in support of product development, product transfer, process improvement, and cost‑reduction projects.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Information Technology
" #J-18808-Ljbffr
– Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.
Overview The Product Introduction (PI) Manager leads the development and commercialization of new and revised food product projects and processes. The role ensures effective development, vertical startup of in‑plant processes, execution of equipment and ingredient testing, and analysis of manufacturing efficiencies.
Responsibilities
Develop project teams and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support company product and process launch and sustainment initiatives.
Initiate, direct, and manage the design, testing, development, qualification, verification, and modification of products and processes from conception to implementation, ensuring manufacturability of the concept.
Communicate project status, critical‑path tasks, and project updates to Plant Leadership.
Escalate project delays with proposed solutions to Plant Leadership.
Facilitate and evaluate project risk management, and develop teams and processes to mitigate risk (JEM).
Facilitate internal project team meetings and calls with external vendors.
Escalate project issues and risks to functional and cross‑functional management in a timely fashion.
Create and maintain accurate product bill of materials, routings, flow charts, process control and centerline documentation for new and updated products in compliance with ISO/SQF and other applicable management systems.
Evaluate current production processes, manufacturing equipment, and labor, and recommend process development and efficiency improvements to R&D, Operations, and technical support teams.
Collaborate with personnel across Product Introduction, R&D, purchasing, finance, legal, and other teams to ensure alignment around key business objectives.
Collaborate with TPM teams to integrate projects into TPM systems (e.g., Autonomous Maintenance, Proactive Maintenance, Focused Improvement, Early Management).
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Project Management, or related discipline and a minimum of 2 years of experience in product management, product development, food manufacturing, or a relevant field.
Project Management certificate preferred.
Experience in Early Management of TPM preferred.
Practical experience managing complex, cross‑functional projects, specifically in the Frozen Foods industry.
Experience using Project Management software to build timelines and manage resources, risks, and costs.
Excellent written, communication and organizational skills.
Ability to achieve business results by working effectively with colleagues at diverse levels, functions, and priorities, as both a team player and a team leader.
Must communicate with management with timely, candid, and accurate information, options, and recommendations.
Capability to juggle numerous projects simultaneously, work well under deadline pressure, and prioritize workload against deadlines and the strategic importance of programs.
Willingness to travel to other facilities in support of product development, product transfer, process improvement, and cost‑reduction projects.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Information Technology
" #J-18808-Ljbffr