Ornua · 8 hours ago
Senior Project Manager, Innovation
Evanston, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$94K/yr - $114K/yr
10+ years expOrnua is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy, and they are seeking a Senior Project Manager – Innovation to drive growth through consumer-centric innovation and operational improvement initiatives. This role will lead cross-functional teams to deliver new products and business capabilities while ensuring alignment with brand strategy and organizational priorities.
AgricultureDairyFarmingFood DeliveryLogisticsSupply Chain Management
Responsibilities
End‑to‑End Project Leadership: Lead the delivery of high‑impact innovation and operational projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with strategic brand and business objectives
Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Drive cross‑functional teams — including R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial — to deliver innovation at pace, balancing speed‑to‑market with quality and compliance
Project Planning & Governance: Develop robust project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk frameworks using best‑in‑class CPG project management methodologies and tools
Agile Ways of Working: Champion agile methodologies, fostering a culture of experimentation, rapid learning, and continuous improvement
Stakeholder Engagement: Engage and influence senior stakeholders, translating strategic objectives into actionable project plans and measurable deliverables
Risk Management: Proactively identify barriers to project success and lead mitigation strategies to maintain momentum and delivery excellence
Communication & Reporting: Ensure clear communication throughout the project lifecycle, tailoring messaging for diverse audiences from production teams to executive leadership
Change Leadership & Coaching: Support and coach team members and people managers through change, building capability for innovation and resilience
Process Excellence: Share best practices and help standardize innovation processes across the business
Governance & Support: Provide structured governance, reporting, and coaching for innovation projects in line with business requirements
Qualification
Required
10+ years of Project Management experience, ideally within CPG or a fast‑paced consumer brand environment, with a proven track record in innovation delivery
Demonstrated leadership of large‑scale transformation, new product development, or change management programs
Proven ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships and influence at all organizational levels
Highly collaborative, with a passion for creating and delivering consumer‑centric innovation
Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive cross‑functional solutions
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences and influence key decisions
Comfortable with both hands‑on project execution and strategic leadership responsibilities
Positive, entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for delivering business value through innovation
Willingness to travel as required to support project delivery and stakeholder engagement
Preferred
PMP or comparable Project Management certification preferred
Bachelor's degree preferred
Benefits
Low‑cost Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage
401(k)
Paid Time Off
Maternity Leave (20 weeks)
Parental Leave
Flexible working
Fitness Reimbursement
Charity Donation
Complimentary Kerrygold products
Free parking and secure bicycle storage
Free healthy snacks and drinks in the office
Reward & Recognition program
Volunteering opportunities
Service Awards
Company
Ornua
Ornua is a cooperative that connects dairy farmers with customers, producers, and consumers around the world.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.29B2017-12-19Debt Financing· $722.07M
2017-06-08Acquired
2014-02-01Debt Financing· $566.52M
Leadership Team
Shane Barry
HR Business Partner
Recent News
2026-01-09
2025-11-25
2025-11-05
Company data provided by crunchbase