Innovation Project Manager - M/F/X

Location : Flexible in France - Hybrid from a Mars site or 100% Remote

Segment : Royal Canin

Type of contract : CDD/Contract until the end of June, with a strong possibility of extension depending on projects

As Innovation Project Manager, you will be leading cross-functional teams to develop and launch new Royal Canin products. This role manages projects from initial brief to industrialization, ensuring smooth execution across all development stages.

This position works closely with teams across R&D, Regulatory, Supply, Marketing, Finance, and more. Managing 4 to 6 projects simultaneously at different maturity stages, the Innovation Project Manager leads a cross-functional project team of about 10 people, establishes clear roadmaps, ensures adherence to innovation processes, aligns and communicates effectively at all organizational levels, and tracks progress to secure successful project outcomes.

What are we looking for?

• An experienced Project Manager with a generalist background, not a technical expert but a strong in project execution.

• 5+ years of project management experience, ideally in an innovation or product development environment.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align and engage senior leaders.

• A strong sense of ownership and decision-making, ensuring the best outcomes for the project while balancing stakeholder expectations.

• A natural motivator who fosters collaboration and drives momentum.

• PMP or PRINCE2 certification is a plus.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Drive the end-to-end development process to successfully launch new products.

• Define and implement project timelines, mobilizing cross-functional teams in line with the stage-gate process.

• Track and communicate key decision points, risks, issues, and required actions to ensure smooth execution.

• Foster alignment and collaboration across all departments, ensuring seamless stakeholder connectivity.

• Facilitate project execution by maintaining momentum, organizing meetings, tracking actions and milestones, raising alerts, and escalating issues when necessary.

• Lead post-launch reviews, capturing key learnings and embedding best practices within the team.

What can you expect from Mars?

• At Mars, we believe in a relationship of mutual trust, dignity and respect between our company and Associates that is more meaningful than the standard employer/employee relationship.

• As Associates, we can expect to be respected, supported and valued as individuals, to be treated fairly and equitably.

• A unique and ideal work environment to become the leader in health through nutrition for cats and dogs!

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.