New Product Development Project Manager

Job Summary:

Responsible for overseeing all Contract Manufacturing (CM) launch related activities within their respective category and to ensure projects are delivered on-time, in-full and in compliance with all quality standards and expectations. This individual will collaborate with cross-functional partners throughout the organization to coordinate on-time task execution, resolve bottlenecks, and proactively mitigate all launch related risks. This individual will be expected to work collaboratively at all levels of the organization and develop strong relationships with internal and external partners. This individual may require regular support and guidance from the Category Manager on more complex topics.

About the Role:

1.            Manages and oversee all launch activity for all new product development initiatives within assigned product/technology category. Interfaces with all departments involved in new product development from the initial idea phase to final approval. With support from manager, responds to frequent changes and resolves bottleneck to ensure new products are delivered on-time, in-full and at the expected level of quality. Maintains strong working relationship with Contract Manufacturing (CM) partners and collaborate closely with their new product development teams on development activities. Develops and establishes supply chain parameters for new product innovations under guidance from category manager (safety stock strategy, batch size, etc.); ensure parameters are correctly setup in system and ensure vendor is aligned prior to production start. Works with Category Manager to understand launch procurement strategy (campaign or monthly orders), lead times and MOQ tiers that support ongoing production and optimize the supply chain. Work with category Supply Analyst peer to ensure PO’s are issued on time to support launch production; work with supply analyst on phasing of ongoing PO’s to support the production until launch handoff is complete and project is fully transitioned to supply analyst for ongoing replenishment. Maps launch production requirements with CM partner and ensure sufficient capacity during and after launch to support the product lifecycle.

2.            Responds to purchasing requirements and changes in the ERP report for all new products. Ensures seamless handoff with supply analyst and completion of all requirements when launch transitions to non-launch replenishment lifecycle status. Manages all new product development tasks including timelines, production, purchase, & delivery plans with support from Category Manager. Partners with the CM and all internal Mary Kay teams involved in the launch to ensure projects are executed on-time in-full. Addresses all launch issues that may arise during new product development by partnering with appropriate teams to drive resolution (issues may include production, regulatory, stability, cost, delays, shelf life, quality issues, etc.).

3.            Provides expertise and project management in development of modified tooling or stock pack development as applicable for the project. Secures a production schedule with the CM that meets the project timeline and track production daily, weekly, and monthly as needed to deliver project on-time. Reviews vendor capacity to support launch and ongoing supply chain requirements and ensure capacities are sufficient; oversee production plan smoothing as needed to keep launch timelines on track. Recommends tooling and capex investments as required in partnership with Category Manager.

4.            Cross-functional teams should request any needed launch paperwork from CM directly, but this individual will provide support to push CM teams in situations where responses are not provided in a timely manner and/or escalate to Category Manager for additional support. Ensures 1st production is reviewed and approved by brand team via Marketing Authorization and quality team before additional production is made. Escalates any launch risks and propose action plans to resolve bottlenecks and ensure launches are delivered OTIF (Bottlenecks may include regulation changes, stability or compatibility issues, production delays, supply chain constraints, etc.); launch specialist must address bottlenecks and establish backup plans to deliver new launches on-time despite unforeseen challenges; at times this individual may need to engage Category Manager to influence desired outcomes. Acts as the critical communications link between Mary Kay teams and CM technical and supply chain teams during launch development and execution. Ensures new launch codes are setup in the system and BOMs are finalized by data team for POs to be cut. Be effective at proactive risk mitigation and establish a risk mitigation plan for all high complexity launches. Creates proactive risk mitigation assessments for new launch development activities and build action plans to avoid risks and implications. Reports Launch OTIF KPIs and deliver annual Launch OTIF goals. Inform leadership team and cross-functional stakeholders of any launch risks and propose solutions to help avoid business implications; escalate risks in a timeline manner to ensure sufficient time to respond to any potential issues. Works with Category Manager to support the onboarding process for new CMs when launches are managed at a new CM for the first time; acclimate CM to Mary Kay launch processes.