R&D Tech Ops Project Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead multiple Technical Operations projects from initial concept through implementation and launch using Thorne’s Stage Gate process and established R&D Project Management Office (PMO) practices.
• Serve as the R&D project lead and advocate for assigned Tech Ops initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, within scope, and at the expected level of quality.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, resource requirements, and success measures for assigned initiatives.
• Lead, coordinate, and facilitate cross-functional project teams, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, priorities, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Brand, Finance, Medical, Scientific, Clinical, Regulatory Affairs, and other stakeholders to align technical and business requirements.
• Manage projects involving production optimization, quality and compliance, cost savings, business continuity, technology transfers, core product growth, consumer expectations, and line extensions.
• Proactively identify project risks, dependencies, constraints, and potential roadblocks and develop mitigation and contingency plans to protect project timelines, budgets, scope, and quality.
• Monitor project performance against established milestones and proactively address schedule, resource, budget, quality, or execution risks.
• Maintain accurate and current project documentation, serving as the central source of truth for project plans, decisions, timelines, deliverables, risks, and status.
• Prepare and communicate project status reports, highlighting progress, milestones, risks, challenges, decisions, and recommended solutions for project teams and business stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings, decision-making discussions, and cross-functional working sessions to drive alignment, accountability, and timely resolution of issues.
• Build strong, trusting relationships across project teams and stakeholder groups to promote transparency, collaboration, and effective execution.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from production-floor employees and technical subject matter experts to senior executives.
• Apply project management and operational excellence methodologies to identify opportunities, improve project execution, and support effective decision-making.
• Develop and lead improvement strategies and initiatives that strengthen operational performance and project management effectiveness.
• Track project outcomes, lessons learned, successes, and challenges and apply insights to continuously improve future project execution and R&D PMO practices.
• Maintain rigor and consistency across project management systems, reporting, documentation, and governance to ensure timely and reliable project information.
• Support a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

WHAT YOU NEED

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or a related discipline required; Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Analytics, or a related field preferred.
• 5–10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of hands-on experience working in a manufacturing or production-floor environment.
• At least 2 years of demonstrated experience successfully leading and delivering projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation or market launch.
• Experience working with Stage Gate processes and project management methodologies supporting new product development, technology transfers, product changes, or line extensions.
• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment and familiarity with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.
• Experience supporting operational excellence, process improvement, manufacturing optimization, or related Technical Operations initiatives.
• Project Management certification preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APICS, or related operational excellence certification preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, tools, and best practices, including project planning, scheduling, resource management, risk management, and project governance.
• Working knowledge of Stage Gate processes and their application to new product development, line extensions, technology transfers, and manufacturing initiatives.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, production workflows, process optimization, and the dependencies between R&D and commercial manufacturing.
• Knowledge of operational excellence methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Ability to identify, assess, prioritize, and mitigate project risks while developing practical contingency plans.
• Ability to analyze project and operational data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with Smartsheet and Power BI for project planning, tracking, reporting, and data visualization.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and industry-specific standards applicable to regulated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to maintain accurate project documentation, reporting, and data to support effective project governance and decision-making.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional project leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects, workstreams, priorities, and cross-functional teams simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage timelines, resources, dependencies, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to establish trust and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead through influence and create accountability across cross-functional teams without relying on direct reporting relationships.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders ranging from production-floor employees and technical specialists to senior executives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk-management skills with the ability to identify issues early and develop practical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings, drive decisions, resolve competing priorities, and maintain momentum across complex projects.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining accurate project documentation, reporting, and project controls.
• Adaptability and resilience with the ability to effectively lead projects in a rapidly changing, high-growth environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a demonstrated interest in improving processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction while maintaining strong collaboration and communication with project stakeholders.
• Demonstrated accountability and ownership with a consistent track record of delivering against established commitments and objectives.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company- paid life insurance
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Monthly allowance of Thorne supplements
• Paid time off, volunteer time off and holiday leave
• Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities