Project Manager, R&D & Innovation

Overview:

At Saje Natural Wellness were natures original farmacy blending the superpower of plants so you can remedy real life naturally. And like nature were continually growing! As we continue to build our team were seeking talented people to join us: in our stores support offices and distribution centres. We are a purpose-driven people-first organization where collaboration innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets thrive.

We look for individuals who have drive and warmth agility and passion and keep customer experience at the centre of everything they do.
At Saje youll connect with a dynamic community and make a positive impact. Join our team and grow your career alongside the most talented hardworking and kind-hearted people out there.

The impact youll make:

The Project Manager R&D & Innovation is a highly cross-functional role responsible for identifying implementing and facilitating best-in-class project management processes within Sajes current innovation eco-system. Reporting directly to the VP Product this role partners closely with the R&D Innovation Commercialization Regulatory and Operations teams.

The role is responsible for taking creative inputs from R&D & Innovation and organizing them into actionable projects with clear timelines and associated deliverables. Once projects formally enter the development process the Project Manager is responsible for coordinating and following up with all respective stakeholders until the project is ready to transition into the commercialization phase (usually after a working prototype has been developed and approved).

In addition to these core responsibilities the Project Manager R&D & Innovation directly supports the R&D team with administrative tasks associated with new projects (Sample management SOP development and documentation supplier coordination etc.)

What youll do:

Project Management

• Establish and implement best-in-class project management processes and tools with an emphasis on enhanced coordination between R&D and Innovation (via a Stage Gate process)
• Translate R&D and Innovation concepts into clearly scoped actionable project plans
• Define project timelines milestones and key deliverables across all workstreams with a focus on the front-end innovation phase prior to commercialization
• Track progress against timelines proactively identifying risks and mitigations
• Drive accountability and follow-through to ensure projects remain on schedule
• Maintain clear documentation of project status decisions and key outputs
  

Cross-Functional Stewardship

• Act as the central point of coordination across R&D Innovation Regulatory Operations and Commercialization
• Align stakeholders on project scope timelines and deliverables
• Facilitate regular cross-functional meetings updates and decision-making forums
• Resolve cross-functional challenges and remove barriers to keep projects moving forward
• Ensure clear communication and visibility across all teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Champion collaboration and foster strong working relationships across functions
  

R&D Administrative Support

• Manage sample tracking organization and coordination between the R&D lab and manufacturing partners
• Assist with the development maintenance and documentation of SOPs
• Coordinate supplier interactions related to new product development
• Maintain organized project files documentation and records
• Provide general administrative support to ensure efficient R&D operations
  

Commercialization Support

• Prepare projects for handoff from development into commercialization
• Ensure all deliverablesincluding formulations documentation and approvals are complete and aligned
• Coordinate closely with Commercialization team on readiness and timelines
• Support transition planning ensuring seamless continuity from R&D to launch
• Track and resolve any outstanding issues prior to commercialization phase
• Align on final project scope requirements and assumptions before handoff
  

Primary cross-functional partnerships: R&D Innovation Commercialization Regulatory Operations

Wed love to hear from you if you have:

• 5 years of project management experience preferably within the Wellness Beauty or CPG industries
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects from concept through early-stage development with a strong focus on organization timelines and deliverables
• Proven track record of implementing best-in-class project management processes
• Experience working in highly cross-functional teams with demonstrated ability to build alignment and drive progress across diverse stakeholders (e.g. R&D Innovation Operations Regulatory Commercialization)
• Strong project planning and execution skills including defining scope developing timelines tracking milestones and managing risks
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain clear documentation project tracking and reporting
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills with the confidence to lead meetings drive decision-making and ensure clarity across teams
• Proactive problem solver with a demonstrated ability to identify risks remove barriers and keep projects moving forward
• Experience leading a team considered an asset

Why Saje

Here at Saje we understand that joining a team is an important decision to make so we want to be sure youre supported to do your best work. The compensation range for this position is from $ annually. Base pay is dependent on market location and mayvary depending on job-related knowledge skills experience and internal equity.

In addition to your base we offer:

• Annual bonus program
• A hybrid way of working
• Flexible work hours based on business needs
• Wellness days to ensure youre taking care of your mental and physical health
• Health benefits - comprehensive health vision and dental packages
• Paid sick days
• Generous product discount
• Full onboarding plan and onboarding buddy to help you settle in
• Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 support resources and information available to you and your family
• GRSP programs
• Paid time off to ensure youre resting & recharging
• Product training to help you learn about the benefits and efficacy of our 100% natural products to support your own wellness journey

Note: The incentive programs benefits and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs benefits and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Join our team!

If this opportunity sounds like you please apply in the link below. Not sure youre 100% the right fit We encourage you to apply even if you dont have all of the listed qualifications. We offer a thorough onboarding experience to set you up for success learning and development support and help you to integrate seamlessly.

All applications are viewed by a member of our team and therefore we do not use AI as part of our screening & selection process. We do use AI to transcribe our preliminary screening calls with our recruitment team. This job posting is for an existing vacancy on our team that we are presently hiring for.

Saje provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants and we believe the best teams are made up of diverse perspectives and people. We offer reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and will work with you to ensure you are supported while working at Saje.