Technical Portfolio Manager

Why join us? As a global organization, World Kitchen is committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values, develops our talent and inspires our teams to introduce superior and distinctive products to meet diverse consumer needs. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means you will become part of a company which offers challenging opportunities, rewards excellence, and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success.

Position Summary

Provide project management, technical and engineering leadership to the Product Development, Brand Marketing, Manufacturing, and Sourcing Teams. Will play a leadership role in the development of new products and innovation by integrating Product Development, Brand Marketing, Design, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Engineering, Finance and Quality Control into a highly effective cross-functional team.

Primary Responsibilities

Responsible for all aspects of various projects of a broad and complex nature, managing multiple major programs/platforms simultaneously and leading large cross function teams. Ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet customer/quality standards Work with Brand Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Design, and Sourcing to leverage and utilize new technologies applicable to the business’s new product portfolio. Collaborate in the development of 2-5 year technology / innovation / product roadmaps Fully competent in the use of NPD Processes and Supplier Quality Management System. Participate in audits & corrective actions as required to maintain continuous improvement Develops and adheres to timelines, risk management, project budget tracking, cost control, progress evaluation, planning, scheduling and communicating status updates on a regular basis for new product projects Maintains lines of communication between Product Development, Brand Marketing, Engineering, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and the rest of the World Kitchen organization as it relates to new product efforts and technical capabilities One of 3 or 4 key personnel on all new product projects, along with Product Development, Marketing etc Monitor and challenge team and activities for projects to determine that activity conforms to project scope, costs within budget, work is on schedule, objectives remain valid, conflicts are identified and resolved, changes are identified and risks, costs and schedule impact is assessed Schedule and conduct meetings as needed to inform and to secure required commitments and approvals necessary for successful project management Work with cross-functional team in the preparation, presentation, and approval of required business cases and / or appropriation requests to assure project funding Manage product engineering to ensure appropriate QA testing, product drawings, product specifications, performance procedures and criteria are met Work closely with Manufacturing to plan & execute manufacturing trials to demonstrate new products’ manufacturing viability Interface with strategic sourcing personnel to insure appropriate procedures are followed, and contracts and agreements are enforced. Secure and uphold contracts as they are defined Review and resolve product design problems, communicate resolutions to Product Development, Marketing, Manufacturing, outside design firms, and / or suppliers, as needed Manage capital and project expense budgets Qualifications:

B.S. Engineering or related technical degree 5+ years new product project management experience 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment Experience in injection molding Demonstrated aptitude in advanced design (3D modeling / SolidWorks / ProE) & manufacturing methods (lean manufacturing / 6 sigma) Strong Leadership skills with proven track record to manage complex programs and global/multi location high impact teams Domestic/International travel Advanced technical degree, MBA or Project Management Certification Supplier driven innovation experience

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