Project Manager Jobs in Gurnee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Oterra is the global leader in naturally sourced colors for food, beverages, dietary supplements, and pet food. With over 140 years of expertise, we believe nature got it right the first time. Join our fast-growing, international team and help us make natural, healthy food accessible worldwide.

This position will lead complex, cross-functional projects from initial customer opportunity and project definition through product development, application validation, customer approval, scale-up, and commercialization. The role will proactively identify risks and dependencies, manage critical paths, drive cross-functional alignment, and ensure projects progress efficiently to meet customer and business needs. 

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, strategic, and action-oriented project leader who understands the complexity of B2B ingredient development and can effectively manage projects involving customers, technical teams, commercial stakeholders, and supply chain and operational functions. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead end-to-end project management for strategic customer and Innovation projects globally
• Establish scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, and success criteria for each project
• Build project plans and critical paths aligning Sales, Applications, Product Development, Regulatory, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Operations across regions
• Lead kickoffs; define roles, responsibilities, and decision rights
• Identify risks, dependencies, and resource constraints before they cause delays
• Facilitate resolution of cross-functional and cross-regional challenges; escalate when needed
• Maintain visibility into the global Innovation project portfolio and pipeline
• Establish standardized PM processes, governance, and stage-gate practices across regions
• Ensure alignment with customer expectations, commercial priorities, and global Innovation strategy

Key Success Measures 

• Improved on-time execution of strategic customer and Innovation projects. 
• Faster progression of customer projects from initial opportunity through commercialization. 
• Improved cross-functional alignment and accountability across technical, commercial, sourcing, supply chain, and operations teams. 
• Increased visibility of project status, risks, dependencies, supply constraints, and resource needs. 
• Reduced project delays caused by unclear ownership or cross-functional dependencies. 
• Improved identification and management of sourcing, supply, and operational risks early in the project lifecycle. 
• Improved prioritization and execution of the US Innovation project portfolio. 
• Successful execution of strategic natural color conversion and customer innovation initiatives. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Business, or a related field. 
• 7+ years of project management experience, preferably within food ingredients, natural colors, food & beverage, consumer products, R&D, or a related B2B industry. 
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional projects involving technical, commercial, and operational stakeholders. 
• Experience working with customers and managing projects from development through commercialization. 
• Experience collaborating with R&D, Product Development, Applications, Regulatory, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Operations, or Commercial functions. 
• Strong organizational, planning, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities. 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. 
• Experience with project management tools and systems. 
• PMP certification or equivalent project management training preferred. 

What We Offer
At Oterra, we take care of our people – because when you’re supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance.
• Financial Security: A retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and bonus program.
• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.
• Engagement in the Workplace: Monthly employee engagement events and team celebrations
• Growth & Empowerment: A collaborative culture that encourages career growth and professional development opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Oterra is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status (unless required by the applicable law or government contract), disability or protected veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by law. Oterra is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to building a team that represents diverse and inclusive backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Oterra will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.