Project Manager, R&D

Fresh-Squeezed Legacy, Bold New Chapter

Tropicana Brands Group is a $3B startup aiming to revolutionize the beverage category. Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our portfolio includes iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With over 76 years of global leadership in the orange juice category, we’re committed to preserving this legacy while driving innovation in other areas. From reimagining orange juice to creating functional smoothies and driving afternoon refreshments, we are striving to become the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages.

The Research & Development (R&D) team drives innovation, product development, and technological advancements across its juice and beverage portfolio. Focused on creating unique flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and improving formulations, the team ensures products meet evolving consumer preferences. They lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring efficient execution while aligning with business goals. Committed to sustainability, they develop innovative packaging solutions that are biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, they uphold rigorous nutritional science and regulatory standards, validating health claims and ensuring compliance. With a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, and process engineering, the team optimizes manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product excellence. Collaborating closely with scientists, nutritionists, and engineers, Tropicana’s R&D team plays a crucial role in keeping products competitive, sustainable, and aligned with market demands.

Your Next Pour: The Opportunity

We are looking to add a Project Manager, R&D to our Governance & Design-to-Consumer Value team. This position provides overall Project Management responsibility for assigned major innovation projects and cost savings opportunities that contribute to business growth and efficiencies. Responsibility also includes providing project management support to existing product changes. Leadership skills in working with a cross-functional team through roadblocks and issues that would impede progress are required. Demonstrated ability to influence across business units and effectively coordinate external and internal resources is needed along with a proven project management track record leading and delivering large, complex projects. The successful candidate will serve as mentor and an example for best-in-class project management. Additional responsibilities include:

• Manage assigned portfolio of TBG innovation, productivity, design to consumer value and change management initiatives to drive volume, revenue and margin growth
• Exercise fundamental, sound project management processes and tools when executing projects
• Build project plans and timelines with an ability to clearly outline objectives, timing, and risks
• Ability to manage a high-volume workflow in a fast paced, action-oriented environment.
• Communicate and align key resources at all levels of the organization on assigned projects.
• Expertise in stage-gate, project governance and agile methods to drive projects with varying levels of complexity.
• Enable portfolio management and prioritization by tracking and measuring financial KPIs
• Act as a mentor to other parts of the organization for best-in-class project management methods, tools and leadership

The Perfect Blend: Experience

• 3-5 years of experience as a project manager, delivering large, complex technical projects in CPG, food & beverage or related industries
• Advanced capabilities in Microsoft Office suite, including Smart Sheets, SAP and PPM systems
• Proven experience and a strong background successfully completing large & complex projects on-time and within budget.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and serving many partners in a fast-moving environment

Foundational Ingredients: Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Finance or Mathematics. MBA or progress towards MBA preferred
  Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future
• Must be located in Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment.
• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations
• Ability to travel as needed up to 10%

Perks That Pack a Punch

TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.

The salary range for this position is $87,000 - $120,000 annually