Director of Project Management & Executive Administration

Central Garden & Pet - Neptune Township, NJ

Full-time - Senior

Neptune Township, NJ

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers

About the position

The Director of Project Management & Executive Administration plays a pivotal role in supporting the Executive Vice President and, to a lesser extent, the President of Central Garden & Pet Company. This position is crucial for defining and evaluating strategic initiatives, setting organizational priorities, monitoring performance, and making necessary adjustments to ensure continuous business improvement. The Director will serve as a bridge between project leadership and departmental strategy, ensuring that all projects align with the company's goals and objectives. This role is based out of the Neptune City, NJ facility and requires a commitment to being present five days a week. Key measures of success for this position include managing project portfolios, which encompasses the creation of projects, resource allocation, and ensuring successful project delivery. The Director will proactively identify new project opportunities and develop project roadmaps that align with organizational goals. Additionally, this role involves leading the project management of select key strategic initiatives, which includes defining, coordinating, and communicating objectives, tracking status and deliverables, and regularly reporting to the EVP and President/CEO. The Director will also assist in the integration of new business acquisitions across all functional areas and play a key role in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the ERP system in collaboration with IT, S&OP, Customer Service, Manufacturing, and Accounting. Continuous monitoring of project status with respective Department Leads is essential, along with regular reporting on ongoing projects such as inventory tracking, SKU rationalization, consumer and trade marketing spend tracking, and market share reporting. Effective communication with stakeholders at all levels is critical, as the Director will keep them informed on project progress, tactics, and timelines. The role may involve budget management and resource allocation across multiple projects, as well as problem-solving and risk mitigation for complex project challenges. The Director will also assist in coordinating quarterly business reporting in collaboration with key department leaders.

Responsibilities

• Manage project portfolios, including creation, resource allocation, and ensuring successful project delivery.
• Proactively identify new project opportunities and develop project roadmaps that align with organizational goals.
• Lead the project management of select key strategic initiatives, including defining, coordinating, and communicating objectives.
• Track status and deliverables, and report to the EVP & President/CEO on a regular basis.
• Assist in the integration of new business acquisitions across all functional areas.
• Play a key role in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the ERP system.
• Continuously monitor project status with respective Department Leads and report on ongoing projects.
• Conduct inventory tracking reports, including 'Slow/Obsolete/Expiring' inventory on a quarterly basis.
• Perform SKU Rationalization analysis and reporting on a quarterly basis.
• Track and analyze consumer and trade marketing spend on a bi-annual basis.
• Compile and analyze market share reporting on a quarterly basis.
• Lead communication with stakeholders at all levels regarding project progress, tactics, and timelines.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for project management.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation across multiple projects as needed.
• Problem-solve and mitigate risks for complex project challenges.
• Assist in coordinating quarterly business reporting with key department leaders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree; MBA preferred.
• PMP certification or relevant project management experience (7+ years).
• Demonstrated leadership abilities coupled with strong project management and analytical skills.
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams and creating a collaborative environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects concurrently.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with exceptional written and verbal communication.
• High energy, results- and people-oriented, assertive/persuasive, team player.
• Ability to maintain the integrity of highly confidential information.