Enterprise Project Manager- Innovation Operating Model

Innovation Project Manager

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bridgewater, NJ

Workplace type: On-Site/Hybrid (4 days/week on-site & 1 day/week remote)

As an Innovation Project Manager, you will:

Lead the project design, planning, activation, execution, integration and evolution of the workstreams to advance an Innovation Operating Model from the end-to-end value stream of ideation to launch. This role is a central execution owner for the design and implementation of our Innovation Operating Model by translating strategy into coordinated action. The Project Manager will coordinate cross-functional teams, define goals and deliverables, manage schedules and resources, monitor risks and issues, and communicate progress to stakeholders. You'll be the go-to owner for execution, keeping work on track, risks managed, and stakeholders informed to ensure successful workstream outcomes.

What you will do:

• Lead the planning, execution, and governance of an Innovation Operating Model project portfolio, aligned to Innovation strategic business plans.
• Design and implement operating model capabilities including governance, stage-gate workflows, portfolio management, tools, and future-state processes that drive transformation and continuous improvement.
• Own end-to-end workstream delivery from initiation through closure, applying standard and agile project management methodologies, change control, and audit requirements.
• Ensure workstreams are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to defined business objectives and success metrics.
• Develop and maintain workstream charters that clearly define objectives, scope, success factors, approach, resources, budget, milestones, and timelines; negotiate clear boundaries on deliverables and scope.
• Build, lead, and enable high-performing project teams, including role clarity, task assignment, performance management, and internal and external resource coordination.
• Marshal resources (people, funding, materials, and partners) to resolve constraints and maintain delivery momentum across a complex, matrixed environment.
• Proactively manage risks, issues, dependencies, and scope, conducting regular project reviews and ensuring transparency with team members and stakeholders.
• Prepare and support steering committees with senior business and Innovation leaders, providing clear status updates, decision framing, and timely escalation of issues.
• Facilitate alignment and working sessions to resolve differences related to scope, ownership, responsibilities, and execution approaches.
• Strengthen enterprise project management capabilities by establishing, reinforcing, and sharing best practices, standards, and tools.
• Drive outcomes through influence and negotiation, successfully operating without direct line management authority.

Who you are:

• A strategic and conceptual thinker with a track record of identifying complex problems, forming hypotheses, translating analysis into action, and mobilizing teams to deliver results.
• A skilled facilitator and change agent who enables productive dialogue, challenges the status quo, and keeps teams focused, aligned, and energized around outcomes.
• Comfortable operating with senior leaders, proactively shaping discussions, influencing decisions, and navigating ambiguity—not simply reporting status but driving clarity and momentum.
• A pragmatic problem solver with a strong sense of what is achievable, balancing rigor with a "real-work" understanding of organizational constraints.
• A hands-on leader of cross-functional teams, promoting collaboration, clarifying roles and accountability, resolving conflict, and driving high standards of delivery.

What you will bring:

• 7–10+ years of experience leading complex projects and portfolios, ideally within innovation-driven or matrixed organizations.
• Strong command of modern project and delivery methodologies, including agile and waterfall approaches; PMP or equivalent certification preferred.
• Proficiency with project and portfolio management tools to track progress, enable transparency, and optimize team performance.
• A data-driven mindset, using insights and metrics to inform decisions, manage risk, and deliver demonstrable business outcomes.
• Executive-level communication and presence, with the ability to synthesize complexity, deliver compelling narratives, and tailor messages across senior leaders, teams, and partners.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities.
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Referral Program – Refer top talent and earn a bonus if they're hired

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law ("protected classifications"). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available: No

Pay Range: $123,500.00-$164,700.00 Annual

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation: As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits: Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.