Packaging Project Manager

at  Kodiak Cakes

WHO ARE WE?

Kodiak is one of the fastest growing food companies that is disrupting the industry with its better-for-you breakfast and snacking options. Our journey with food began by restoring the tradition of whole grain flapjacks and adding some protein to fuel folks’ adventures. In the process, we discovered that foods made closer to nature are not only fueling but taste better. So, we set out to inspire wilder, wide-open lives by feeding epic days through real breakfasts. That’s one of the reasons we’re in the scenic Rocky Mountains of Park City, Utah: to live our purpose and be close to nature.
Our mission is to become the most loved, next generation food brand, and we’re well on our way. We craft the best-selling whole grain flapjack mix in the nation along with toaster waffles, baking mixes, oatmeal, syrup, and snacking options at all major retailers. We’re expanding rapidly as our business continues to grow year-after-year and need to build our team with people that share our passion for the outdoors, bring industry experience, thrive in an entrepreneurial culture, and want to make an impact in the food space. We believe that eating real, good-for-you food, being active outdoors, and preserving nature will restore balance generations before us worked so hard to forge. We embrace the spirit of the Kodiak – a pristine wilderness with a rich ecosystem – and we rely on that spirit of the Kodiak to inspire the work we do, the food we eat, and the way we play.
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Job Location: Kodiak HQ: Park City, Utah (Hybrid Onsite)

WHAT WILL THIS POSITION DO?

Kodiak is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead packaging graphics and material change initiatives from concept to completion. This role will be a liaison between Operations, R&D, and Marketing to own adherence to Kodiak’s Stage Gate process and ensure accuracy of the final product. This is an essential role at Kodiak as artwork accuracy is critical for business success.
This PM is a problem solver that knows every detail of a project, from the overarching “why” to the specifics, and is proficient in the project management fundamentals: scope definition, timeline construction, quality measures, and budget adherence. The PM should understand resource requirements and project deadlines across Kodiak’s project portfolio with the ability to work with the PMO Director to shift and balance priorities based on volume of work and business priorities.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

This role is based in our headquarters near the ski slopes and mountain trails of Park City, Utah (Hybrid) or remote. We offer competitive compensation and benefits that include:

• Health/vision/dental plans
• 401k match
• Relocation assistance
• Annual performance bonus
• A company fleet of snowboards and other equipment
• Active lifestyle allowance
• Therapy Benefit
• All-you-can-eat flapjacks
• Flexible vacation
• Early-out Fridays
• Parental leave
• Casual dress code
• A variety of other Kodiak-unique perks

Recognized by Inc and Utah as one of America’s best places to work, we are known for our awesome work environment – a fun and authentic place where wins are celebrated, collaboration is king, work is balanced with life, and every individual makes a deep impact. We proactively search for ways to develop each individual along their career path here at Kodiak and beyond. We’re inspired and committed to creating natural, authentic food with superior taste to fuel a healthy, active lifestyle. We feel encouraged by some of the trends in food today and believe that with a concerted effort we can make an enormous impact in building momentum for natural, better-for-you foods. We invite you to apply to join our team and leave your legacy on the future of food.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Project Planning & Execution:
• Develop comprehensive project plans including timelines and resource allocation for graphics and material changes.
• Work cross-functionally to define project scope and objectives, ensuring alignment with business goals and annual Graphics Roadmap.
• Manage multiple workflows and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and on-quality delivery.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication
• Act as the main point of contact between Ops, R&D, Creative, Marketing, Manufacturers, and external vendors on graphics & material change projects.
• Understand the full artwork revision series from change initiation to the shelf.
• Communicate project status, risks, and issues to internal & external stakeholders, including senior leadership, in a timely manner.
• Partner with FSQA and Regulatory to ensure all manufacturers are provided with approved artwork.
• Work with Brand and Sales on mock-up and packaging sample requirements for retailers.
• Facilitate effective project meetings and ensure alignment on project milestones and deliverables.
• Maintain & optimize Packaging Transition tracker to provide accurate graphics project status and visibility across the org.
• Initiate/Monitor/Escalate Review & Approval Workflows
• Use established forms and systems to initiate and monitor graphic update reviews and approvals from change inception to Finished Good spec update.
• Risk & Issue Management
• Identify potential risks or issues early and develop contingency plans to mitigate them.
• Troubleshoot any challenges related to design, manufacturing, or material sourcing with appropriate partners.

This role is based in our headquarters near the ski slopes and mountain trails of Park City, Utah (Hybrid) or remote. We offer competitive compensation and benefits that include:

• Health/vision/dental plans
• 401k match
• Relocation assistance
• Annual performance bonus
• A company fleet of snowboards and other equipment
• Active lifestyle allowance
• Therapy Benefit
• All-you-can-eat flapjacks
• Flexible vacation
• Early-out Fridays
• Parental leave
• Casual dress code
• A variety of other Kodiak-unique perk