Associate Director, Technical Project Management

The Associate Director, R&I Technical Project Management is responsible for leading the end-to-end technical execution of a portfolio of innovation and strategic initiatives across the new product launch (NPL) lifecycle. Serving as the single technical integration point, this role drives cross-functional alignment, risk management, timeline adherence, and decision-making to ensure successful delivery of new product launches. This position partners closely with R&D, Packaging Development, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Brand teams to translate business objectives into executable technical plans, proactively identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies that enable on-time and high-quality product commercialization. This position will partner closely with brand NPL, serving as the single technical voice for updates regarding their specific launches.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical lead for new product launches from concept through commercialization; Develop, maintain, and communicate integrated cross-functional project timelines, milestones, critical paths, and technical learning plan development; Serve as the primary technical project lead and central point of integration across all development functions; Drive project governance processes, stage-gate reviews, readiness assessments, and leadership updates; Ensure technical execution aligns with business objectives, innovation strategies, and launch commitments; Develop and implement best practices, processes, and tools that improve project execution efficiency; Drive continuous improvement initiatives that accelerate development timelines and enhance organizational agility; Partner with brand, innovation, and technical leaders to establish development strategies and launch plans. Coordinate activities across functions; Facilitate project meetings, decision-making forums, and technical reviews; Align stakeholders on priorities, deliverables, and timelines while ensuring accountability for project execution; Translate technical challenges into actionable recommendations for business and functional leaders; Identify technical, operational, supply chain, and timing risks throughout the development process; Lead risk mitigation planning and contingency development; Drive cross-functional problem-solving efforts to address issues that could impact project milestones or launch readiness; Escalate critical risks and provide recommended solutions to leadership; Support early-stage innovation efforts by assessing technical requirements, risks, and feasibility; Provide leadership and direction on project planning approaches for highly complex or strategically important initiatives; Facilitate informed decision-making through data-driven project analysis and recommendations; Build strong collaborative relationships across global and regional organizations; Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement; Serve as a role model for effective project leadership and stakeholder engagement

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Product Development, or related technical field; 5+ years of experience in technical project management, R&D, product development, program management, or related functions; Proven success leading complex, cross-functional new product development programs; Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously; Advanced project and portfolio management expertise; Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills; Exceptional strategic thinking and organizational skills; Expertise in risk identification, mitigation, and issue resolution; Strong communication, facilitation, and executive presentation capabilities; Ability to balance technical detail with business priorities and commercialization objectives; Experience with project management systems and Microsoft 365 tools

Nice to have

Advanced degree; Experience within beauty, consumer products, personal care, pharmaceutical, or related industries

Benefits

competitive bonus program; share incentive plan; health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance); wellness and family support programs; life and disability insurance; retirement savings plans; paid leave programs; education-related programs; paid holidays and vacation time