Director, Project Management Office

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose led nutrition and wellness organization that “champions a more equitable world.” A world where everyone has the right to nutrition from the goodness of the earth and we reduce these gaps, one action at a time.

As a PMO (Project Management Office) Director, this candidate will be responsible for overseeing and managing the Project Management Office of the organization. The role’s primary objective is to ensure effective project management practices are established and executed throughout the organization. The PMO Director plays a crucial role in aligning project initiatives with the organization's strategic objectives, ensuring successful project delivery, and driving overall business performance. This role reports to the Category Development and Innovation VP under the PMO office.

This role provides flexibility to work in a hybrid environment of home and our Westlake Village, CA office. (Hybrid is defined as 2 to 3 times per week in the office).

• Resource Allocation Work closely with project managers and resource owners to allocate appropriate resources to ensure successful project execution and delivery, and ensure key projects are resourced and prioritized.
• Financials Helps support the delivery the F&B Group Innovation pipeline financial targets, in partnership with cross functional teams through managing the PMO office in relation to project management and risk escalation and management
• Risk Management Identify and mitigate project risks and issues. Develop contingency plans and proactively address challenges to ensure delivery of projects.
• Performance Monitoring & Post Launch Evaluation for critical projects Track and report project progress against key performance indicators (KPIs) and project metrics. Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stage-Gate Governance Along with VP Global Category lead the Innovation CoE project approval process for all innovation projects (Global, Regional & Local) for Check-in approval gate and provide portfolio updates for senior management decision making for project approval and resources allocation.
• Other duties as assigned
• Stakeholder Communication Establish effective communication channels with stakeholders, including project sponsors, resource owners and team members. Provide regular Innovation Portfolio updates at central gate meetings.
• Portfolio Management Oversee the Global Portfolio for Innovation projects, measuring financial delivery, portfolio risks, resources management, and key project KPI’s.
• Best Practices and Process Improvement Stay up-to-date with industry trends, tools, and best practices related to data analysis, portfolio and project management. Continuously evaluate and improve Portfolio and project management processes and methodologies.
• Project Planning Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria. Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
• Project Management Act as Project Manager for Innovation big bets projects (L1-L3) through the project management/stage-gate process.
• Team Collaboration Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment. Facilitate knowledge sharing, provide guidance and mentorship to team members, and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Experience, Knowledge, & Skills You Bring

• Stage Gate management process.
• Proven track record in delivery and implementation of large scale Innovation projects in FMCG / F&B industries.
• Microsoft Project software experience preferred
• Strong skills In Microsoft Office, including Teams and Outlook
• 10+ years of experience in R&D/Innovation/commercial Portfolio and project management and/or similar roles.
• Financial knowledge Business case (ROI, NPV) P&L and COGS.
• Product development process Understand the basic principles on how formulations and packaging are developed (design, testing, consumer-usability/acceptability).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to manage stakeholders effectively.
• Data analysis Proficient in statistical analysis, data collection, and data visualization techniques to derive meaningful insights, enabling informed decision-making (Financial performance, resourcing, prioritization).

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Ability to work effectively in a networked, fluid and agile environment, with multiple stakeholders
• Adaptability able to adapt to changing environments and overcome challenges; feel comfortable working with a certain degree of ambiguity and in a fluid and agile environment
• Passionate about portfolio and project management and a purpose driven career in a nutrition and wellness company
• Able to create a climate of trust
• Analytical thinking able to synthesize large volumes of data to solve problems efficiently
• Organization able to balance your time, energy, resilience and mental capacity to deliver effectively and efficiently the innovation goals
• Ability to identify realistic solutions, solve issues efficiently and in a timely manner
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
• Act as a champion for portfolio and project management principles and WoW’s

Education & Certification

• Master’s degree (MBA, Food Science, Engineering) preferred
• Project Management Certification (PMP) required
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Food Science or Food Technology

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 15 pounds and reach overhead.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

FOR JOBS BASED IN CALIFORNIA

Hiring Pay Scale $170,000 to $190,000

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.