Job Title: Project Manager Consultant (CPG brand restage)
Job Location: Chicago, IL (downtown Chicago Loop near Union Station)
Compensation: Pay Rate: $60/hour – $75/hour (8 hours maximum – no overtime)
Work Environment: Hybrid (2-3 days in the office per week; remaining days work from home)
Interviews: Start the week of November 24, 2025 (1 virtual interview, 1 in-person interview [including case study at office])
Start Date (as soon as): Monday, December 8
End Date (initial): Friday, June 12, 2026 (extensions possible, conversion possible)
POSITION OVERVIEW
Company seeks an experienced, detail-oriented Project Manager for a critical 6-month temporary assignment to lead two major brand restage initiatives. This role will serve as the central point of coordination, driving timeline management, cross-functional collaboration, master data integrity, and artwork management across both projects.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned project management professional to make an immediate, high-impact contribution during a pivotal time in Company's evolution.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Restage Project Management (50%)
Timeline & Project Governance:
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project timeline with clear milestones, dependencies, and critical path
• Lead weekly cross-functional project meetings with stakeholders from Marketing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, Finance, and Legal
• Track progress against timeline, identify risks and bottlenecks, and implement mitigation strategies
• Provide regular status updates and executive reporting to leadership
• Manage issue escalation and resolution process
Master Data Management:
• Coordinate master data creation and updates across all systems (ERP, PLM, etc.)
• Ensure accurate SKU setup, product specifications, pricing, and configuration data
• Work closely with IT, Supply Chain, and Finance to validate data accuracy and completeness
• Track master data workflow and approvals through all required gates
Artwork Management:
• Oversee end-to-end artwork development process from brief through approval and production
• Coordinate with packaging design agencies, internal creative teams, and legal/regulatory
• Manage artwork revision cycles, approvals, and version control
• Ensure compliance with FDA labeling requirements, nutritional accuracy, and brand guidelines
• Track artwork proofing, color matching, and printer coordination
• Maintain artwork repository and documentation
Cross-Functional Team Leadership:
• Drive alignment across Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Sales, and Finance
• Facilitate decision-making and remove obstacles to keep project on track
• Ensure clear communication of project status, changes, and action items
• Build strong working relationships across all functional areas
Brand Restage Project Management #2 (50%)
Timeline & Project Governance:
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project timeline for restage
• Lead cross-functional project team and weekly status meetings
• Track progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies
• Provide executive reporting and manage escalations
Master Data Management:
• Coordinate master data creation and updates for products
• Ensure data accuracy across all systems and workflows
• Validate specifications, pricing, and configuration data
• Track approvals and system readiness
Artwork Management:
• Oversee artwork development from brief through production
• Manage agency coordination, revision cycles, and approvals
• Ensure regulatory compliance and brand guideline adherence
• Track proofing, color matching, and printer coordination
• Maintain artwork documentation and version control
Cross-Functional Team Leadership:
• Drive cross-functional alignment for restage
• Facilitate decision-making and remove barriers
• Ensure clear communication across all stakeholders
• Build collaborative relationships across organization
Additional Project Management Responsibilities:
Process & Tools:
• Maintain detailed project plans in MS Project or equivalent tool
• Create and manage comprehensive project documentation (charters, RACI matrices, status reports)
• Develop and track KPIs and success metrics for both projects
• Identify process improvements and efficiency opportunities
Risk & Issue Management:
• Proactively identify project risks and develop contingency plans
• Maintain risk and issue logs with clear ownership and resolution plans
• Escalate critical issues with recommended solutions
• Conduct lessons learned and capture best practices
Stakeholder Management:
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage expectations and communicate proactively
• Coordinate with vendors, agencies, printers, and co-packers
• Navigate organizational dynamics in post-acquisition environment
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
• 5-7 years of proven project management experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG), food & beverage, or related manufacturing industry
• Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders
• Experience with brand restages, packaging redesigns, SKU rationalization, or large-scale product launches
• Background in operations, supply chain, or understanding of end-to-end value chain processes
• Experience managing master data, artwork, and packaging development processes
Technical Skills:
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas, data analysis)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Project or equivalent project management software (MS Project, Smartsheet, Asana, Monday.com)
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Experience with artwork management platforms or workflow tools (e.g., Artwork Flow, WebCenter, Esko)
Core Competencies:
• Exceptional attention to detail with ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize competing demands
• Outstanding communication skills (written and verbal) across all organizational levels
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to think critically and develop creative solutions
• Ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• Self-starter who takes initiative and drives projects to completion
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to adapt quickly to change
Industry Knowledge:
• Deep understanding of CPG value chain from product development through commercialization
• Knowledge of packaging development process, printing technologies, and artwork production
• Familiarity with FDA food labeling regulations and compliance requirements
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, co-packing, and supply chain logistics
• Experience with product master data structures and data governance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent
• Experience in post-acquisition integration or organizational change environments
• Previous work with Italian or European food brands
• Experience with Ferrero, Nestlé, Mondel?z, or similar large CPG organizations
• Background in category management or brand management
• Bilingual capabilities (English/French or English/Italian a plus)
• Experience managing projects for products sold through multiple channels (retail, club, e-commerce)
• Familiarity with agile or hybrid project management methodologies
• Experience working with external agencies and vendors
SUCCESS METRICS
Timeline Adherence:
• Both restages completed on time and within scope
• Key milestones achieved per project plan
• Minimal critical path delays
Quality & Accuracy:
• Master data accuracy at 100% with zero production delays due to data issues
• Artwork approvals completed error-free with no rework required
• Regulatory compliance maintained throughout both projects
Stakeholder Satisfaction:
• Positive feedback from cross-functional team members
• Executive leadership confidence in project status and outcomes
• Effective communication and issue resolution
Process Excellence:
• Comprehensive project documentation maintained
• Lessons learned captured for future restage initiatives
• Process improvements identified and implemented
For immediate consideration, please email your resume in Word format to Cameron Wall at cameronwall@ifgus.com.