Operations Project Manager at Central Garden & Pet

Description

Central Garden & Pet is a market leader in the Garden and Pet industries. For over 40 years, Central has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes by bringing innovative and trusted solutions to its consumers and customers. We have an exciting opportunity in our Central Specialty Pet business unit for aOperations Project Manager at our Chilton, WI site.To excel in this role, we are looking for a highly organized, results driven Operations Project Manager to oversee and lead projects in our Manufacturing and Warehouse Operations. The Operations Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating the planning, execution, and delivery of manufacturing projects, ensuring that all initiatives meet quality, timeline, and budget expectations. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership abilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a keen eye for detail.RESPONSIBILITIESProject Planning and Coordination

• Develop comprehensive project plans, including defining project scop, goals, and objectives
• Coordinate project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure efficient project execution
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand project requirements and expectations
• Set milestones and track project progress, adjusting plans as necessary to meet deadlines

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the engineering, production, quality control, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless project execution
• Foster effective communication between internal teams and external partners (suppliers, contractors, etc)
• Ensure all team members are aligned with project goals and timelines

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and roadblocks in project execution
• Develop mitigation strategies to prevent delays or cost overruns
• Resolve any issues or challenges that arise during the project lifecycle

Budget and Resource Management

• Oversee project budgets and ensure resources are allocated appropriately
• Monitor expenditures to ensure that projects stay within financial constraints
• Ensure optimal resource utilization, including materials, labor, and equipment

Quality Assurance

• Ensure that all manufacturing projects meet quality standards and specifications
• Monitor quality control processes and work with the quality team to address any defects or issues
• Implement continuous improvement process to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular status reports, including updates on project progress, timelines, and any challenges faced
• Maintain detailed documentation for all project phases, ensuring compliance with industry regulations
• Provide final project reports with lessons learned and suggestions for future improvements

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and motivate project teams to achieve project objectives efficiently
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, ensuring effective collaboration and personal development
• Manage stakeholder expectations and provide leadership in decision making

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience in the manufacturing industry, with a proven track record of successful project delivery
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools (e.g. Gantt charts, MS Project, etc/
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in budget management and cost control
• Strong problem solving and analytical abilities
• Experience with quality control process and lean manufacturing principles is preferred
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated high level of adaptability, leadership, and commitment to ensuring the success of the manufacturing projects from inception to completion

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Full-time position, with on campus travel to all on-site facilities
• Will require working in a manufacturing plant environment, which can involve exposure to machinery, noise, and variable temperatures
• Will require working in elevated areas (height)
• This is a salaried-exempt position; hours will generally be regular business hours and may require hours outside of regular business hours. There may be some variation in work hours due to training schedules, overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Onsite Wellness Center
• Onsite Fitness Center
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave
• A more complete list of benefits can be found here www.CentralBenefits.org

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Companys innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Cadet, C&S, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Four Paws, Kaytee, Nylaboneand Pennington, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visitwww.central.comto learn more.We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.#LI-MJ1