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Research Project Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager I

Carmel, IN · On-site

$119K - $144K/yr

Lead large and complex technical projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery • Manage project ... S. Through use of groundbreaking research and advanced technology, our highly skilled employees ...

Search or provide oversight of researching legal records, survey records, and land titles in order ... Project management skills * Ability to effectively manage people * Good communication and writing ...

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Research Project Manager information

See Indiana salary details

$47.6K

$81.9K

$125.6K

How much do research project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for research project manager in Indiana is $81,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $87,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, and research methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in managing research teams or studies. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana or MS Project), data analysis tools (such as SPSS or R), and compliance certifications (like GCP) is typically required. Excellent organization, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure that complex research projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with regulatory and scientific standards.

What is the difference between Research Project Manager vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Project ManagerResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often requires project management certificationsBachelor's degree in related field; may require research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates with stakeholdersAssists with daily research activities, data collection, and participant coordination
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, healthcare, and biotech companiesAcademic research labs, clinical trials, healthcare organizations

The Research Project Manager typically handles project planning, team management, and stakeholder communication, while the Research Coordinator focuses on supporting research activities, data collection, and participant management. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What do research project managers do?

Research project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of research projects, ensuring they meet objectives, deadlines, and budgets. They coordinate teams, manage resources, develop timelines, and communicate progress to stakeholders, often using project management tools and methodologies.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Project Managers when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Research Project Managers often coordinate teams comprising experts from various fields, which can present challenges related to communication, differing priorities, and aligning timelines. Successfully managing these dynamics requires strong interpersonal skills, clear communication, and the ability to mediate between stakeholders to ensure everyone is working toward shared project goals. Regular check-ins, transparent progress tracking, and fostering a collaborative team culture can help mitigate these challenges and keep projects on schedule.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Research Project Managers in many industries can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications, and in high-demand sectors. Salaries vary based on location, organization size, and project complexity, with senior or specialized roles often reaching or exceeding this level.

What is the highest paying job in research?

In research, senior roles such as Principal Investigator, Research Director, or Chief Scientific Officer tend to be the highest paying, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in specialized fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or data science.

What does a Research Project Manager do?

A Research Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of research projects within organizations such as universities, nonprofits, or private companies. Their responsibilities include coordinating teams, managing budgets and timelines, ensuring compliance with regulations, and communicating progress to stakeholders. They act as a bridge between researchers, administrative staff, and sometimes external partners, ensuring that project goals are met efficiently and effectively.

How much do research managers make in the US?

Research project managers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Project jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Research Project jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Project Manager jobs in Indiana? For Research Project Manager jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Project Manager jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Research Project Manager jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Research Project Manager jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Research Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Project Manager job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 75% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,864 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Commercialization Project Manager

Commercialization Project Manager

Weaver popcorn manufacturing

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing
Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing is a global leader in popcorn production, delivering quality from seed to shelf since 1928. We operate a vertically integrated system that includes farming partnerships, processing, and manufacturing microwave and ready-to-eat popcorn products. With products distributed worldwide, we support national brands, private label partners, and our own Pop Weaver line through high-volume, SQF-certified production. From our farming network to our manufacturing facilities, every step is built around producing the highest quality popcorn consistently, safely, and reliably.
Position Overview
The Commercialization Manager is responsible for leading the successful execution of new product launches, product changes, customer initiatives, and commercialization projects across Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing.
This role serves as the central project leader for the commercialization process, driving alignment and accountability across Sales, R&D, Quality, Packaging, Procurement, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Logistics, Scheduling, Finance, and our customers.
The successful candidate will own project timelines from approval through launch, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule, risks are identified early, and stakeholders remain informed throughout the process. This individual must possess exceptional organizational skills, strong business acumen, and the confidence to challenge assumptions, facilitate difficult conversations, and escalate issues when project commitments are at risk.
This role requires a highly proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can influence teams without direct authority.
Responsibilities:
Commercialization Project Leadership
  • Lead all commercialization projects from concept approval through product launch and post-launch review.
  • Own project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and critical path activities.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project plans and Gantt charts for all commercialization initiatives.
  • Ensure all projects progress through Weaver's stage-gate commercialization process in accordance with established procedures.
  • Drive timely completion of project deliverables across all functional departments.
  • Identify project risks, bottlenecks, and resource constraints and develop mitigation plans.
  • Escalate project risks and missed commitments to leadership when necessary.
  • Maintain visibility into project status and proactively communicate changes to stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Accountability
  • Facilitate kick-off meetings and commercialization reviews for new products and product change requests.
  • Coordinate activities across Sales, R&D, Packaging, Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement, Scheduling, Logistics, Finance, and Supply Chain.
  • Hold project teams accountable for commitments, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Challenge assumptions and drive resolution of issues impacting project timelines.
  • Foster collaboration while maintaining focus on execution and results.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for commercialization-related project communication.

Project Governance & Process Management
  • Manage commercialization workflows within SafetyChain and other project management systems.
  • Ensure project documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Monitor stage-gate compliance and adherence to commercialization procedures.
  • Create standardized reporting tools, dashboards, and project tracking mechanisms.
  • Establish and maintain clear project governance practices and communication standards.
  • Continuously improve commercialization processes, tools, and team effectiveness.

Stakeholder Communication
  • Provide weekly project status updates to key stakeholders and leadership teams.
  • Communicate project risks, delays, decisions, and milestones in a clear and timely manner.
  • Create executive-level summaries highlighting project health, critical issues, and launch readiness.
  • Maintain transparency regarding customer-driven versus internal delays.
  • Ensure stakeholders understand project priorities, responsibilities, and expected completion dates.

Customer Project Management & Communication
  • Serve as a primary commercialization contact for customers throughout the product launch and implementation process.
  • Communicate project timelines, key milestones, risks, requirements, and launch readiness updates to customers in a professional and proactive manner.
  • Coordinate directly with customer supply chain, procurement, quality, packaging, and commercialization teams to ensure project deliverables are completed on time.
  • Manage customer-facing commercialization activities, including gathering specifications, obtaining approvals, tracking artwork progress, coordinating samples, and communicating launch requirements.
  • Maintain and update customer project management portals, commercialization platforms, specification systems, and other customer-required tools to ensure accurate and timely information is available.
  • Facilitate resolution of customer questions, concerns, and project roadblocks while balancing customer expectations with internal operational capabilities.
  • Drive accountability for customer-owned deliverables and approvals that impact project timelines.
  • Provide visibility into customer-driven versus internally driven project delays and escalate risks when launch timelines are jeopardized.
  • Build strong working relationships with customer stakeholders and serve as a trusted partner throughout the commercialization process.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, Food Science, Engineering, Project Management, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional projects in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), food manufacturing, supply chain, operations, commercialization, product development, or related environments.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously with competing priorities.
  • Experience developing and maintaining detailed project plans and Gantt charts.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and project management tools.
  • Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
  • Ability to work on-site in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Preferred
  • Commercialization, product launch, stage-gate, PMO, or product development experience.
  • Food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods experience.
  • Experience working in ERP, PLM, SafetyChain, or similar systems.
  • PMP certification or equivalent project management training.
  • Experience supporting private label and customer-specific product launches