Job Description
Job DescriptionProject ManagerSupply Chain | Sonoma, CA
Help bring innovative products to market and drive operational excellence across a growing specialty food company.
Laura Chenel's Chevre, Inc., a subsidiary of the family-owned French dairy Tribillat, markets and sells the Laura Chenel and Marin French Cheese brands nationwide. As one of the fastest-growing companies in the specialty cheese category, we are committed to delivering high-quality products while continuously improving our operations and processes.
We are seeking a highly organized, analytical, and hands-on Product Portfolio Management Project Manager to lead cross-functional initiatives that connect Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Sales, and Finance. This role is responsible for managing product launches, packaging updates, reformulations, supplier transitions, and portfolio optimization projects from implementation through commercialization.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving complex problems, and have a passion for driving projects from concept to execution, we'd love to hear from you.
Position Details
Job Title: Project Manager
Department: Supply Chain
Location: Sonoma, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
What You'll DoProject Leadership & Commercialization
- Lead end-to-end product portfolio projects including new product development (NPD), packaging and label updates, seasonal products, recipe modifications, shelf-life extensions, and product transitions.
- Manage projects from implementation through commercialization, ensuring successful launch execution.
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, risk assessments, decision points, and status reporting.
- Facilitate cross-functional project meetings and ensure accountability for deliverables and action items.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects while balancing priorities, timelines, and resources.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing, R&D, Operations, Sales, Finance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure project readiness and successful execution.
- Identify and remove project roadblocks while driving timely decision-making.
- Coordinate operational readiness activities including production planning, quality assurance, labeling approvals, inventory management, and launch execution.
- Serve as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, suppliers, and co-packers.
Systems, Data & Process Management
- Ensure accurate setup and maintenance of product data within PLM and ERP systems.
- Manage SKU creation, bill of materials (BOMs), routings, inventory parameters, and system validations.
- Coordinate and oversee change management processes related to product and portfolio updates.
- Lead procurement initiatives involving packaging, ingredients, materials, and alternate supplier sourcing.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive portfolio optimization and SKU rationalization initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and reduce complexity.
- Support operational excellence initiatives that improve speed-to-market and execution accuracy.
- Develop and implement solutions that proactively address obstacles and business challenges.
What Success Looks Like
- On-time, in-full product launches and project execution.
- Reduced time-to-market for new and updated products.
- Improved ERP and PLM data accuracy.
- Effective coordination of co-packer and supplier transitions.
- Successful portfolio optimization and SKU management.
- Continuous identification and implementation of process improvements.
QualificationsEducation & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field required.
- 3–5 years of experience in project management, portfolio management, supply chain, or a related function.
- Demonstrated success leading multiple complex, time-sensitive projects simultaneously.
- Experience working in cross-functional environments with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience managing project timelines, risks, budgets, and resource allocation.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional project management and organizational abilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to influence decisions and drive alignment across teams.
- Self-starter with a hands-on approach and strong sense of ownership.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, lean, and evolving environments.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
- Proficiency with project management platforms such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Wrike, or similar.
- Experience with PLM and ERP systems (JDE or equivalent preferred).
- PMP certification or formal project management training strongly preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in dairy, cheese, food manufacturing, or chilled/perishable consumer products.
- Knowledge of commercialization processes, shelf-life testing, and food labeling requirements.
- Experience managing co-packers, suppliers, and external manufacturing partners.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing and innovative specialty food company.
- Work with iconic brands including Laura Chenel and Marin French Cheese.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams that drive meaningful business results.
- Opportunity to influence product strategy, operational excellence, and business growth.
- Fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and supportive work environment.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
If you're a results-driven project manager who enjoys bringing products to life and improving business processes, we encourage you to apply!.