Associate Development Project Manager

Job Summary:

This role will support our Beauty team, managing product development projects for clients within the retail industry.

Responsibilities:

• Interact with account managers and directly with clients to understand their business needs and expectations clearly. For clarity, when the project is turned over to the development manager, they own it and are responsible for it. The account manager will interact with the client for all commercial aspects (e.g., margins, pricing, contracts, etc.) and, hopefully, future work. In contrast, the development manager manages the client's expectations. (Note: the account manager needs to be involved if client demands are unreasonable.)
• Build positive working relationships with clients and ensure client satisfaction.
• Act as the primary contact for client technical queries and concerns about their development projects.
• Attend project-based client meetings as required. This will most likely replace the account manager's role, not add to it. Gently remind the client if they are delayed in providing feedback.
• Define the agenda and lead the prototype review meeting with the client. Document all changes from the meeting and disseminate them through the organization, ensuring that drawings or production details reflect these changes. (Note: follow the existing prototype review process.)
• Provide and issue comprehensive meeting minutes from all other client or internal project meetings, detailing all agreed-upon actions and deadlines.
• Act as the key contact for all internal resource teams for development project details and requirements.
• Remind the account manager, the client, and the development team of upcoming deadlines.
• Warn the account manager (or the client if the account manager is not involved in the project) if a deadline looks like it’s going to slip.
• Make sure that the client understands what was done and why it was done (ideally relating what was done back to the development brief).
• Capture client feedback in a structured manner so that each iteration moves the deliverable closer to finalization.

Project Management:

• Coordinate with Client Business Development or Account Management to ensure all development projects are completed within the agreed working parameters.
• Prepare project proposal/scoping document. Know how to respond to the development requirements of an RFP, complete with deliverables, timelines, budget, etc.
• Create the development project plan, schedule, and budget according to client requirements.
• Assess potential risks and technical challenges and develop appropriate mitigation plans.
• Determine resource requirements and identify resources with the right skills to execute projects successfully.
• Launch development “kick-off” meeting and debrief the relevant departments. Ensure that all involved parties clearly understand project requirements.
• Set and communicate deadlines for key tasks, negotiating both with account managers about client needs and the development team about the time they need to do a thorough job.
• Ensure that the development team has all they need to do their work (e.g., the right files, the development brief, clear deadlines).
• Juggle resources and deadlines and then adjust and communicate project schedules accordingly.
• Establish and evaluate timelines (Gantt Charts) based on their information.
• Prepare detailed project plans for the completion of works, showing key project milestones.
• Liaise with internal resources to identify and specify the most suitable manufacturing materials and processes to meet the budget, timeline, and quality requirements. Sometimes, we work with our external supplier base to perform the same task where project timelines require additional resources.
• Assist with and/or complete prototype and production estimates where required.
• Set up project numbers and sub-sections to record all costs via time or value.
• Ensure that quality control parameters for both internal and supplier manufacture are set and controlled.
• Continuously review the project plan, implementing control measures as and when necessary.
• Work with our internal resource teams and external suppliers to develop cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and productivity.
• Brief internal resources on prototype requirements and/or assist with subcontractor briefing.
• Analyze and resolve project issues in a timely and accurate manner.
• Coordinate with the development team (design, engineering, prototype managers, estimating, account services, finance) daily to execute assigned projects within deadlines and budget.
• Monitor quality and ensure that changes are recorded throughout the prototype process.
• Liaise with the Design, Engineering, and Estimating teams to outline any specification changes or upgrades to equipment and determine their impact on cost. Report any cost impact directly to the client on a timely basis to ensure cost recovery.
• Prepare cost and budget reconciliations, ensuring that projects are completed within the financial budget. Instigate control measures when projects are running over budget.
• Liaise with account services to verify that all client invoices are processed and issued in a timely fashion.
• Ensure all prototypes produced are photographed to a high enough standard to be considered for use in a corporate presentation.
• Ensure all project documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner, and in accordance with company policy. Ensure proper project close-out, including archiving of files so they can be easily accessed when needed in the future. Document any learnings.
• Partner with Production Project Managers to ensure a seamless transition from development through handoff to production. Attention needs to be paid to the accuracy of the production engineering drawings and BOMs.
• Create an environment of continuous improvement by constantly reviewing methodologies, procedures, and materials, making and implementing the agreed improvements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical program
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Exposure to having face-to-face interaction with customers and clients
• Ability to manage the development of the project from concept through production.
• Ability to work with a variety of team members (Designers, Engineers, Project Managers, Account Managers, Production, Account Services)
• Work in a fast-paced and multitasking environment, managing multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
• Must be flexible and be able to adapt
• Proficient in MS Project

About RTC

RTC masters the design and detail of retail, helping brands and retailers improve the shopping experience and grow their bottom line. We design retail programs and environments, execute them globally, and build products that improve retail performance. We provide our clients with a cohesive brand experience, expanded retail presence, and consistently better results at a lower total cost. Learn more at .

Why should you consider a career at RTC?

Benefits

• Hybrid schedule: at least two in-office days per week after training
• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (options include 2 PPO plans and 1 HMO plan)
• Dental insurance (offered through 2 PPO plans)
• Access to BCBS Benefit Value Advisor and Member Rewards programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (for health and dependent care)
• Commuter transit benefit
• 401(k) plan with 6% contribution and 3% company match, including a Roth option
• Company-paid life insurance (3x salary, with the option to purchase additional coverage)
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance (long-term disability optional)
• 16 days of PTO each year
• 9 paid holidays
• Tuition assistance program

Perks

• Early Fridays year-round (finish at 2:30 PM)
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) plus company-sponsored volunteer activities

Wellness

• PTO is encouraged for vacations and mental health breaks
• Employee Assistance Program offering legal, financial, and counseling resources
• Discounts on fitness center memberships for employees enrolled in Blue Cross plans
• 100% coverage for preventive care, including annual check-ups and screenings
• Lactation rooms available for new mothers at the Rolling Meadows location
• Annual on-site flu clinics in Romeoville and Rolling Meadows for employees and covered dependents (or covered through insurance if off-site)

Career Development & Training

We encourage your professional growth and development. We offer mentors with deep industry experience and management who will assist you in defining and realizing your short and long-term career goals and a variety of opportunities for training and advancement.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is budgeted for $61,746-$93,854, with eligibility for an annual bonus. The actual base salary depends on various factors and could be above or below the range depending on the applicant's qualifications, years of relevant experience, specific skills, level of education, business needs, and market demand. The full salary range for this role reflects this position's competitive labor market value and provides an opportunity to progress as associates grow and develop within the role. Bonuses are paid based on RTC’s financial results. Any payouts awarded in the first year of employment are pro-rated based on the start date. Program rules are subject to change at management’s discretion.

RTC is an equal-opportunity employer. Women, individuals of all ethnicities, people with disabilities (intellectual and physical), and Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age (40 or older), disability or genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, religion or any other basis prohibited by law. RTC is in compliance with Child Labor Laws