The Role

The Project Specialist – Manufacturing provides project management support to the corporate Manufacturing team to implement and optimize processes within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space.  This role manages key projects and strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence within the Manufacturing operation. With a continuous improvement mindset, this role will be focused on root cause analysis to identify process improvement opportunities, develop solutions, and drive execution through project coordination, proper documentation, and training. This role also provides day-to-day support for the Manufacturing team to resolve operational challenges and be a key partner for cross-functional teams on CPG operations implementation matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for operations programs and processes, primarily focused on Manufacturing processes.
• Lead and manage project coordination of continuous improvement projects to build new capabilities, add capacity and increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather feedback and identify process opportunities including Product Development, Project Management, Quality, Compliance, Operations, etc.
• Serve as a central point of contact for CPG General Managers, Regional Directors and other Senior Leaders, addressing their operational inquiries, concerns, and providing guidance on project timelines and outputs.
• Assist in resolving operational challenges and issues by leveraging their understanding of Manufacturing processes and procedures.
• Utilize data analysis to identify opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiency gains and cost reduction opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with key business partners to effectively support initiatives that impact the entire CPG operation.
• Assist in the development and delivery of training programs for CPG teams on Manufacturing operational processes and procedures.
• Drive end-to-end project advancement and execution by monitoring progress, escalating risks or delays to leadership, and coordinating cross-functional partners to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation and other quality and compliance requirements.
• May be assigned other duties and tasks not specifically outlined in this

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a project management or coordinator role, ideally in a CPG operation setting, cannabis industry, or other highly regulated manufacturing industry.
• Experience establishing and communicating procedures and policies, project timelines and outputs to multiple stakeholders across varying levels of the organization.
• Proven experience in managing all aspects of large-scale manufacturing projects.
• Knowledge of Lean practices and continuous improvement methodology preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent work

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies.
• Demonstrate an ability to set objectives and goals and organize work appropriately to meet and exceed expectations.
• Ability to build constructive and effective relationships with a broad and diverse group of business partners.
• Highly professional, high level of ethics and integrity; accepts accountability for results and works with a sense of urgency.
• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, fast-paced
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and time management
• Exceptional communications skills, written and
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative and able to work independently or collaboratively with keen judgment, common sense and resourcefulness.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass any and all required background checks
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age

• Must be approved by the state badging agency to work in the cannabis industry
• Ability to travel up to 50% for this role

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Physical Demands: May be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry, and balance up to 75 pounds (200 pounds with assistance)