Enterprise Project Manager- Innovation Operating Model

About Ingredion

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.

Bridgewater, NJ

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 work streams 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.

• 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 work streams 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.

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…