Innovation Project Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field.  Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

The Associate Project Manager supports the planning, coordination, and execution of distribution operations projects at Applied Medical. Working closely with the lead Project Manager, this role drives project deliverables from scope definition through completion, keeping stakeholders informed and ensuring timelines are met across cross-functional teams. The Associate Project Manager partners with team members, managers, and leaders across Applied Medical's Distribution Operations teams to capture requirements, document decisions, and contribute to process improvement initiatives. This role is well-suited for early-career professionals looking to build a foundation in project management within a fast-paced, operations-driven environment. Professionals with backgrounds in project coordination, business operations, distribution, supply chain, or enterprise resource planning support will find this role a strong fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate multifaceted distribution operations projects, managing all project stages from scope definition through completion using established project management methodologies.
• Develop comprehensive project plans that support optimal resource allocation, clear milestone tracking, and timely delivery of project objectives.
• Identify and proactively manage changes in project scope, issues, and risks, developing contingency plans to keep projects on track.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders across Distribution Operations to capture requirements, document key decisions in meeting minutes, and provide clear, consistent progress updates.
• Maintain accurate project documentation using project management software and tools, including Microsoft Project, Planner, and Visio.
• Communicate project status and updates to team members, managers, directors, and vice presidents across Applied Medical's Distribution Operations division.
• Identify, present, and contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and operational performance within the department.
• Support change management efforts by driving effective communication and organized execution across all project phases.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Delivering project milestones on time and within scope by maintaining organized project plans, clear documentation, and consistent stakeholder communication.
• Building strong working relationships across Distribution Operations and cross-functional teams that support smooth project execution and alignment on goals.
• Proactively identifying risks and scope changes early and presenting well-reasoned contingency plans to leadership before issues escalate.
• Contributing to process improvement efforts that result in measurable efficiency gains within distribution operations.
• Demonstrating growing independence in project ownership, moving from supporting tasks in the first 30 days to leading a small project or significant project phase within 90 days.
• Maintaining a high standard of documentation and follow-through that gives stakeholders confidence in project progress and outcomes.

This position requires the following skills and attributes:

• One or more years of experience in a project management, project coordination, or business operations role.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Excel, Teams, Microsoft Project, Planner, and Visio.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and written communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and daily tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and the ability to follow through on open items to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships and work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands with flexibility as project needs and timelines shift.

The following skills and attributes are preferred:

• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, with SAP experience preferred.
• Familiarity with project management frameworks or methodologies, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) principles, Agile, or Scrum.
• Experience working in a distribution, supply chain, or operations environment.

• Competitive compensation range: $28 - $33. / hour or up to $75,000 / year based on experience (California)
• Comprehensive benefits package. 
• Training and mentorship opportunities. 
• On-campus wellness activities. 
• Education reimbursement program. 
• 401(k) program with discretionary employer match. 
• Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule. 

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply. 

Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. 

All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.

This position requires the following skills and attributes:

• One or more years of experience in a project management, project coordination, or business operations role.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Excel, Teams, Microsoft Project, Planner, and Visio.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and written communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and daily tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and the ability to follow through on open items to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships and work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands with flexibility as project needs and timelines shift.