Project Manager (restage consultant)
Location: Chicago, IL Type: Contract Job #28594 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,