Sr. Project Manager (Hybrid)

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth

Job Description

In a time of unprecedented expansion, we are seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our Product Research & Development team. In this role, you will oversee and ensure implementation of product development items from concept through launch, leading a cross-functional team focused on delivering innovative, top-quality products against project timelines across a variety of types and complexities. This requires project management and leadership skills, demonstrated by the ability to influence and lead within a rapidly evolving environment. The candidate should be experienced and well-grounded in fundamental principles as they pertain to project management of product development, working to align partners, proactively manage risks, and drive team accountabilities to deliver project objectives.

A day at Lakeshore looks like this:  

• Applying project management principles such as analyzing performance and driving continuous-improvement opportunities   
• Leading various project teams (which may include Research & Development, Engineering, Hong Kong Master Planning, Commercial Planning and Regulatory) from concept through launch 
• Clearly communicating key milestones, critical path deliverables and project expectations to team members, while also identifying and creating mitigation plans for project risks 
• Driving accountability among all team members, ensuring approval readiness and priority for concept and design approval meetings 
• Communicating updates effectively in leadership forums  
• Facilitating discussions and meetings to enable project teams to resolve conflicts and make timely decisions 
• Creating project documentation, including hind sighting, and keep organized file reference structure for future reference  

Qualifications

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred  
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience in project management in product development organizations.  A plus if experience in operations, commercial planning, project engineering or manufacturing planning 
• Experienced and knowledgeable in the new product introduction process, sales and operations planning, and the product development process  
• Proficiency in MS Excel is required, with an emphasis on an ability to build and present reports  
• Driven, with excellent senior-level communication and organizational skills, and the ability to influence and constructively challenge teams and business partners to achieve project goals  
• Comfortable with working in hybrid setting  
• Strong conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills  
• Must be comfortable with systems and data analysis  
• Experience using Workfront is a plus 

Additional Information

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Salary: $88,000-$110,000 with an annual bonus of up to 10%
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experi