Product Lifecycle & Change Management Project Lead

Our purpose is unlocking the potential of people, nature, and science to nourish the world. We consistently incorporate social and environmental impact into decision making given its importance to the success and profitability to our business.

At Kalsec, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment by embracing the wisdom and strengths that diversity brings.

Job Summary:

The Product Lifecycle & Change Management Project Lead is responsible for leading cross-functional product change initiatives and driving continuous improvement of Kalsec's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) processes and systems.

This role ensures product changes are effectively planned, communicated, documented, and implemented across the organization while minimizing operational disruption, maintaining compliance, and supporting business objectives. The position partners closely with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Marketing, Finance, and Information Systems to execute projects, improve business processes, and support enhancements to PLM and ERP capabilities.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Product-Related Changes

• Lead end‑to‑end project execution for changes, from kickoff through implementation, ensuring alignment with established change management governance.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams from R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing and Procurement, to ensure all requirements are met.
• Translate product changes into detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones and resource requirements.
• Facilitate project meetings and drive accountability for key deliverables.
• Track project progress and proactively identify risks, delays, or gaps, escalating issues to the Product Lifecycle/Change Management Department Head as needed.
• Manage documentation and project records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal systems (PLM and ERP).
• Monitor project performance and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and leadership.

Software-Related Changes

• Assess business and user needs.
• Support the definition and prioritization of product features and requirements, including PLM/ERP upgrades; coordinate with users, IS, and other stakeholders to keep testing on track and communicate feedback to relevant parties.
• Coordinate user acceptance testing for PLM/ERP enhancements.
• Analyze data to support product goals and adjust tactics as needed.
• Monitor project progress to ensure timely feature delivery.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with 4-7 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required

• Degree in Food Science, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Information Systems, or other allied science or related field that uses the scientific method.
• Experience in project management, product lifecycle management, product commercialization, supply chain, operations, office management or related functions.
• Experience coordinating and leading cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Understanding of food industry processes, including ingredient sourcing, formulation, manufacturing, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Desired

• PMP or similar certification.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems or other enterprise business systems.  Experience with Optiva PLM and food manufacturing ERP systems a plus.  
• Experience supporting business process improvement initiatives.
• Experience with stage-gate product development or commercialization processes

Working Conditions:

• Office environment utilizing standard office equipment and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Less than 10% travel required.

This job description is not intended to cover every detail or every aspect of the job identified.  Other duties may and will be assigned based upon the workload and needs of the department.

Kalsec® is committed to providing safe food to its customers.  This position requires completing annual food safety training. Food safety training is conducted through Kalsec® electronic training program and on-the-job training in each department. The organizational chart identifies personnel responsible for covering food safety responsibilities in the absence of this position.