Npd Project Manager Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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.

Job Title: Project Manager
Department: Supply Chain
Location: Sonoma, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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!.