Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Manager

Overview

Location:
Chicago Office (Hybrid 3 days a week)

Reports to:
Sr Project Manager

Instant Pot Brands is looking for an enthusiastic, fast-moving, and collaborative individual to lead end-to-end project execution using a structured phase-gate approach, aligning scope, timelines, resources, and cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives. Drive decision-making, risk management, and clear communication across engineering, sourcing, marketing, operations, quality, and global partners.

• Define project scope, objectives, timelines, and resource plans using a structured phase-gate process to deliver on business goals and objectives.
• Prepares and presents updates for monthly project reviews and gate meetings.
• Lead cross-functional teams (engineering, sourcing, marketing, operations, quality) to drive decisions, resolve issues, and keep projects on track.
• Manage detailed schedules, constraints, critical paths, risks, mitigation plans, and change requests; communicates follow-ups and deliverables; maintains clear and complete project documentation.
• Partner with engineering and suppliers to support design, prototyping, testing, safety certification, and transition to manufacturing.
• Drive manufacturing scale-up and coordinate go-to-market execution across retail channels.
• Conduct post-launch lessons-learned to improve tools, processes, and execution.
• Communicate and collaborate with international partners, especially teams located in Asia.

Required

• 3+ years of project management experience, ideally in product development.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and working with suppliers or factories.
• Strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with engineering and project management best practices.
• Excellent communication, organization, and risk-management capabilities.

Preferred

• Engineering degree preferred (BSME, BSIE); equivalent experience considered.
• Experience in small household appliances, housewares, or durable goods.
• Understanding of plastics, metals, mold design, and material characteristics.
• Knowledge of product safety certification and new product development (NPD) processes.
• Ability to adapt quickly and redirect teams when project changes occur.
• Experience working with teams located in Asia.