Temp R&D Project Manager

About the role We’re looking for a 6-month temporary R&D Project Manager who brings clarity and momentum to product and packaging renovation work. You’ll lead cross-functional projects that update products, packaging, and suppliers, and you’ll also design and run a simple, transparent intake process for non-R&D operational requests. You connect dots, remove blockers, and keep teams focused on what matters: delivering quality work on time.

What you'll do Run product & packaging renovation projects end to end Establish product & packaging renovation project timelines, ensuring clear scope and success criteria, establishing appropriate scenarios based on risk, looking for opportunities to parallel path activities and solve for dependencies to deliver projects on time Partner with key vendors (manufacturing partners, packaging vendors, etc) Execute the project plan by facilitating meetings, evaluating resources (FTEs, costs), and managing deliverables Drive change control, specs, labeling, and artwork updates with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Creative, and Packaging Design, roll-out and own non-NPD project intake Stand up a lightweight project intake flow with brief templates, approval process and project kick-off standards Lead weekly triage, prioritize with data, and move approved work into executable plans Maintain a clear status view for requestors and stakeholders Track volume, cycle times, and bottlenecks to continuously improve Elevate ways of working Keep the shared roadmap accurate and useful Standardize templates for timelines, risk logs, and status updates Support governance forums with tight, decision-ready materials including risk assessments and confidence levels Build trust across Brand, R&D, Packaging, Ops, and external partners Drive continuous process improvement through tools like lesson and learns Who you are A steady hand in complexity. You organize, clarify, and keep work moving. A proactive problem-solver. You spot risks early and propose practical paths forward A clear communicator. You tailor updates to the audience and make next steps obvious. Detail-oriented with follow-through. You sweat the details without losing the plot. Team-first. You build strong relationships and make collaboration feel easy.

What you'll need Experience: 3–6 years in project or program management in CPG, nutraceuticals, or adjacent physical products Renovation (product and/or packaging) or change-control experience highly preferred Direct collaboration with manufacturers, packaging vendors, and suppliers Methodology: Familiarity with Innovation Stage Gate methodology. Experience producing physical products for a Direct to Consumer (DTC) or omni channel brand. Tools: Ability to use Google Suite required. Familiarity with Notion or demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technology tools required. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed above. We're committed to building a diverse team and recognize that skills can be developed in many different ways.

Compensation Pay Range: $106,000 - $140,000 Your base salary is one part of your total compensation package. The salary range represents the entire compensation range for this position. Exact compensation will depend on a number of factors, which may include the successful candidate's skills, level, years of experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. This role is also eligible for equity + generous benefits + 401k + unlimited PTO etc - see our list of perks/ benefits below. What We Offer Health & Wellness Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Healthcare & Dependent Care FSA Mental health support via Talkspace Pet insurance discount 10 Wellness Days per Year (Final Friday of every month) Free Ritual subscription during your tenure Annual Wellness Stipend Monthly wellness activities Financial & Career Support 401(k) Match (up to 4%) Monthly Technology Stipend New Hire Work From Home Stipend Family & Flexibility 5 months of gender-neutral parental leave for eligible team members Flex Time for birthing parents Family Planning via Maven Clinic Monthly Childcare Allowance Time Off Unlimited PTO (with a 10-day minimum to recharge) 11 Paid Company Holidays Additional company time off for holidays that fall around a weekend Winter Break (Christmas - New Years) Holiday Diversity Policy 2 Days to volunteer (Days of Action) Focus Fridays for self-development and deep work