Associate Director Project Management

Relate Search has partnered with a fast-paced, brand-driven consumer products organization to identify an Associate Director of Project Management to lead and elevate a high-performing, globally distributed PM team. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for enabling New Product Development (NPD) success across brands and regions. You will drive operational excellence, strengthen governance, and build scalable systems that ensure consistent execution—balancing speed-to-market with rigor.

Reporting into senior leadership, this role blends strategic vision, people development, and hands-on execution oversight. You will shape how work gets done across the organization while developing a strong, collaborative team operating in a complex, matrixed environment.

You will lead a close-knit team of 8 Project Managers across the U.S. and U.K. known for accountability, collaboration, and high standards. The team manages a diverse portfolio including:

• Lower-complexity launches and retail display initiatives

The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring the ability to manage multiple high-complexity projects simultaneously. The culture is people-centric, highly collaborative, and grounded in strong relationships and emotional intelligence. Leadership in this role requires presence, approachability, and a genuine commitment to team development.

• Lead, coach, and develop a globally distributed Project Management team, establishing clear expectations and strong individual development plans.
• Oversee execution of NPD launches and business initiatives across brands and regions.
• Partner cross-functionally (R&D, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, etc.) to improve decision-making and handoffs.
• Champion scalable tools, governance models, and systems that create a single source of truth.
• Drive process optimization including clarity in tiering, timelines, complexity alignment, and documentation standards.
• Strengthen onboarding and training programs to elevate PM capability and maturity.
• Remove roadblocks, proactively address barriers, and model recognition and appreciation within a matrixed structure.
• Balance near-term project execution with long-term capability building and operational scalability.

• 10+ years of progressive project management experience.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience with demonstrated success developing high-performing teams.
• Experience leading NPD launches or complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong systems thinking and continuous improvement mindset.
• Proven ability to lead transformational change and navigate organizational complexity.
• Highly self-aware, emotionally intelligent leader with strong communication and influence skills.
• PMP and/or PgMP certification strongly preferred.
• Global or multi-regional experience preferred.
• Experience with in consumer products, manufacturing, or brand-driven organizations a plus.

• High-impact leadership position with strong executive visibility.
• Opportunity to shape and modernize project management practices across the organization.
• Balance of strategic influence, operational rigor, and people leadership.
• Lead a respected team and elevate PM maturity enterprise-wide.
• Fast-paced, collaborative culture with meaningful growth opportunity.

Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA+ owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance, we deliver customized, people-first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.

Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.