Head of Project Management

We are looking to recruit an experienced Head of Project Management, ideally from the BEAUTY, PERSONAL CARE OR COSMETICS industry but if not MUST HAVE WORKED IN FMCG.

You will be highly organised, self-motivated and proactive, with at least 5 years’ experience in a project management role with team managerial responsibilities and have, essentially, experience in product development. You will be managing NPD and Merchandising projects from inception to product delivered to customer. Key to this role is extensive experience of managing multiple Critical Paths across different departments, ensuring that all teams meet critical key deadlines, so that everything is delivered accurately and on time whilst managing customer expectations.

Reporting directly to the Sales Director & Creative Director.

Role and Responsibilities

Regular communication with Customer and Sales Team, NPD and Merchandising teams on project progress whilst managing customer expectations
Oversee and review all Critical Paths to ensure all departments are meeting key deadlines, resolving any issues, and the impact of any changes
Managing the Product Development and the Merchandising Team.
Where needed, creating project briefs for internal review and once signed off, briefing to China team.
Reviewing supplier quotes
Liaising with suppliers on production schedules and customer queries
Creating and presenting Costing Models to Commercial Team for sign off on behalf of Merchandise team.
Creating and managing Critical Paths for all live projects. Weekly catch up meetings with Merchandisers & Product Developers to review all CPs. Ability to identify risks to timelines and launch, communicating these to the Creative Director & Sales representative.
Creating and issuing Pro Forma Invoices to customer and liaising with Accounts regarding payments
Coordinating with multiple departments to ensure Critical Path deadlines are met including NPD, Design, Marketing, Tech, Sales, Demand Planning, Commercial, Fulfilment & Accounts
Reviewing and signing off artwork and samples (red, green & gold seals) to ensure they meet the brief and customer requirements
Reviewing and signing off marketing decks to ensure they meet the brief and customer requirements
Completing Customer New Line Forms including gathering relevant information from relevant departments within Customer deadlines
Obtaining and reviewing freight quotes and where necessary, organising shipments
Ensuring paperwork required by Customer is prepared, accurate and provided on time by the Merchandise team
Communicating directly with Accounts department regarding payment terms/pending payments when project owners need additional support.
Helping to finalise and interpret supplier manuals and highlight the relevant information to each department and structuring project to ensure project owner knows next steps and priorities
Ensuring the Merchandising team are always managing customer expectations. Highlighting any potential issues or delays to the relevant department. Providing report to sales agents on a weekly basis with project updates on behalf of the department.
Working on Own Brand and Private label projects where necessary. Working with sales representatives and attending customer meetings
Delivering regular product training to the internal sales team and supporting in customer meetings where applicable.
Supporting Sales Team in new Customer onboarding
Coordinating customer requests for Marketing, Design, Legal & Technical documents
Weekly reporting of project and order progress
Work closely with relevant departments to help provide solutions to customer and Sales Team to ensure Customer expectations and Sales Targets can be met
Weekly 1-2-1s with team to ensure visibility of project progress, supporting team with problem solving and providing regular feedback and coaching
Annual PDPs with 6 month review, providing development feedback and supporting training needs with mentoring and coaching
Liaising with other Department Heads where necessary to review and improve processes to ensure customer expectations are met
Essential time management in multiple projects’ critical path and ensuring these are updated weekly.
Daily team management with workload planning, supporting through absences and new starter training.

Skill Set Requirements

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in project management, 2 years’ experience in management, & an essential minimum of 2 years’ experience in product development (FMCG).
Ideally possess an understanding and passion for the beauty industry
Experience of developing multiple products at once from concept to launch
Highly organised & confident in managing a team of 10 or more people
Reactive, able to work under pressure to tight deadlines and keep abreast of project updates
Strong attention to detail.
Independent, Proactive and a self-starter
Enthusiastic and energetic
Able to work autonomously and not afraid to take on responsibility
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

ABOUT US

QUEST is an industry leader in beauty and personal care products selling to over 90 countries across the globe, an award winner which includes The Queens Award for Enterprise. This is an amazing opportunity to join a business that is continuing to expand and succeed. We understand that the reason for our success is not only due to our products but also because of the exceptional talent and support we have in our teams; we value our people and we are looking to further strengthen our Operations Team with skilled individuals who share our ethos

WHY WORK FOR US ?

Free parking
30 days holiday plus bank holidays
Early finish Fridays
Your birthday as a holiday
Onsite amenity hub including cafe, gym and shower facilities
Discretionary bonuses
BUPA
Staff awards
Christmas office closure (From Christmas Eve to day after New Years Day)
EPA programme available (Health Assured)
Death in Service/Life Assurance
Sample Sales