Manager, Product Lifecycle Operations [Remote]

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Manager, Product Lifecycle Operations based in the United States.

This role leads the continuous improvement and governance of product development and launch processes across a portfolio of 21 Own Brand businesses.
You will drive consistency around Stage Gate processes, workflows, responsibilities, approvals, and documentation while allowing appropriate flexibility for individual business needs.
A major focus will be leading the implementation of a new Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform from requirements and design through launch and adoption.
You will work across Product Development, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Product Data, Marketing, Finance, IT, and other functions to create connected and efficient processes.
The role combines enterprise process improvement, technology implementation, change management, governance, and stakeholder leadership.
You will also become the ongoing business owner of the PLM platform, shaping its governance, adoption, enhancements, and long-term value.
This is an influential, cross-functional position suited to a strategic operator who can turn complex processes into scalable, practical ways of working.

Accountabilities

• Own, govern, and continuously improve the Stage Gate product development process across all 21 Own Brand businesses.

• Establish consistent standards for stages, workflows, roles, responsibilities, approvals, documentation, and reporting while accommodating legitimate business requirements.

• Partner with brands that are not yet using the existing workflow platform to transition their product development activities into a common operating environment.

• Design practical workflows with individual brands while maintaining enterprise-level governance, process consistency, and visibility.

• Lead training, user acceptance, adoption, and reinforcement activities to support successful implementation and sustained adherence to Stage Gate processes.

• Maintain process documentation, templates, user guidance, and governance standards.

• Own the end-to-end product development and launch process from concept through launch and lifecycle transition.

• Define process steps, ownership, required inputs, data points, dependencies, handoffs, and timing expectations across participating functions.

• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, duplicated activities, communication gaps, and inconsistent practices that can affect product launch readiness and timing.

• Improve visibility into project status, milestones, open requirements, risks, dependencies, and next steps.

• Lead the end-to-end implementation, launch, adoption, and ongoing business ownership of a new PLM system.

• Act as the primary business partner to the PLM vendor, IT teams, implementation partners, and project management resources.

• Define future-state processes, workflows, governance structures, user roles, data requirements, ownership models, business rules, integrations, and system requirements.

• Gather and align requirements across Product Development, Global Sourcing, Supply Chain, Product Data, Product Assurance, International Logistics, Marketing, Finance, Sales Operations, IT, and other stakeholders.

• Coordinate process validation, data preparation, user acceptance testing, training, communications, deployment, and business readiness.

• After implementation, own platform governance, adoption, business support, feedback prioritization, change requests, and continuous enhancements.

• Partner with IT and external vendors on administration, integrations, releases, support, and ongoing platform improvements.

• Develop role-based training, job aids, communications, and practical guidance for Stage Gate, workflow, PLM, and product launch processes.

• Facilitate change management and influence stakeholders across brands, functions, and organizational levels to drive adoption, timely decisions, and process adherence.

• Coach teams through new processes and ways of working while maintaining appropriate enterprise standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Product Management, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

• Experience leading cross-functional process improvement, transformation, governance, or enterprise technology implementation initiatives within a matrixed organization.

• Experience with Stage Gate, product development, new product introduction, sourcing, supply chain, operational excellence, product launch, or related processes.

• Experience leading or serving as a business owner for a PLM, workflow, ERP, PIM, MDM, or similar enterprise technology implementation is preferred.

• Strong ability to define end-to-end processes, workflows, business requirements, data points, governance models, roles, handoffs, and system requirements.

• Demonstrated project and program leadership capabilities, including management of priorities, dependencies, risks, decisions, issues, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

• Strong change leadership, facilitation, training, user acceptance, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to influence across multiple businesses, brands, functions, and organizational levels without relying on direct authority.

• Excellent problem-solving and process improvement capabilities, with a practical approach to identifying inefficiencies and developing sustainable solutions.

• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with IT teams, third-party software vendors, implementation partners, and project management organizations.

• Comfortable working in a complex, cross-functional environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to translate strategic objectives into clear processes, requirements, and actionable plans.

Benefits

• Remote or hybrid work: Remote work is available, with hybrid arrangements possible for individuals located near designated headquarters locations, subject to applicable policy.

• Compensation: Estimated monthly salary range of $6,900.30–$11,275.00 , with actual pay depending on location, qualifications, and prior experience.

• Incentive compensation: Eligibility for a bonus or incentive plan.

• Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits.

• Financial security: 401(k) plan with company match and life insurance.

• Time off: Paid time off and paid parental leave.

• Well-being: Mental health coverage and programs supporting physical and financial well-being.

• Family support: Gender-affirming and family-building benefits.

• Additional perks: Associate discounts, community involvement opportunities, and other inclusive benefits designed to accommodate diverse needs and circumstances.

• Benefit eligibility and offerings may vary based on location and individual circumstances.

How Jobgether works:

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.