PROJECT MANAGER

Are you looking for an opportunity to grow with a US Best Managed Company? Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), a member of the KENT® Corporation family of companies, is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join our Creative Solutions team! This new position for the Creative Solutions Department, which includes GPC's Sensory, Production, and Analytical Solutions teams, will be responsible for managing critical project details, handling analytics and scope changes that impact project timelines, and encouraging our team members to challenge the status quo.

The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication skills and the ability to foster effective relationships with stakeholders across all organizational levels. They should also be capable of confidently expressing their own views and ideas in a constructive and collaborative way. If this sounds like you, Grain Processing Corporation has an exciting new position available in Muscatine, Iowa that could be the perfect fit. In this key role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization and will be supported by a team of talented professionals who are committed to excellence.

• This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, IA.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborating with cross-functional project team members to:
  • Develop project plans and timelines, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on project scope, objectives, and requirements.
  • Introduce and implement processes to execute projects efficiently and effectively through the stage gate process, leveraging best practices and lessons learned from previous projects.
  • Manage resource needs by assigning and tracking project deliverables to ensure that each team member is clear on their roles and responsibilities.
  • Track and manage project reporting to inform senior management of critical business projects and provide recommendations to optimize project outcomes.
  • Execute projects through the stage gate process, ensuring that each project is delivered as scoped.

• Engaging stakeholders by:
  • Providing regular updates on project progress, including analytics, project results, scope changes, and/or delays to project timelines, to ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed and up to date.
  • Presenting key topics and areas of concern to leadership, providing insights and recommendations that will help to drive efficiency, ensure projects are adequately resourced and improve project outcomes.

• Managing multiple concurrent and complex projects, ensuring that each project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Additional responsibilities include:
  • Centralize procurement: Lead the charge in streamlining and managing our procurement processes, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Teams and SharePoint administration: Take the helm in overseeing and maintaining our Teams and SharePoint platforms, fostering seamless collaboration.
  • Records retention compliance: Champion adherence to retention policies and regulations, safeguarding our records with precision and care.

• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, engineering, marketing, or a related field
• Formal certification through PMI is a plus

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Have 5 or more years of experience working with project management software and techniques, including previous experience planning and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Have strong computer skills using Microsoft Office products, and proficiency in project management software and techniques.
• Demonstrate strong negotiation, interpersonal, and presentation skills, along with a tactful communication style.
• Communicate and work effectively with individuals, cross-functional teams, and all levels of the organization.
• Be confident and assertive, with a detailed attention to deadlines and budgetary guidelines, and a track record of delivering complex projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Bring creative approaches to project management, including motivational techniques and team-building approaches.
• Maintain a substantial knowledge of our core business strategies, product lines, and systems, and to stay up to date with industry trends and best practices.
• Look for and implement process improvement ideas to reduce costs, increase quality, or improve communications in the organization.
• Communicate the overall project goal and devise a detailed plan to reach the stated objectives.
• Be able to work in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, and challenge ideas and assumptions, even when they come from executives and other senior leaders in the organization.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

• This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa.
• Some travel (5-10%) may be required for visiting other Kent/GPC locations, business meetings, trainings, conferences, seminars, tradeshows, and customers.