Project Manager – Research, Design and Development; Hybrid

Company Description

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher.

We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We’re looking for a Project Manager to join our Product Development team
. In this role, you will oversee and ensure implementation of product development items from concept through launch, while leading a cross‑functional team to deliver projects on time across a variety of product types and complexities. You will be accountable for building project plans, aligning partners, managing timelines, and driving team accountability to achieve final project objectives. This position requires strong project management and leadership skills, demonstrated by the ability to influence and lead within a rapidly evolving, cross‑functional environment.

The ideal candidate is experienced and well‑grounded in the fundamental principles of effective product development project management.

• Apply project management principles including analyzing performance and driving continuous improvement opportunities
• Lead cross‑functional project teams (which may include Research & Development, Engineering, HK Master Planning, Commercial Planning or Regulatory) from concept through launch
• Clearly communicate key milestones, critical path deliverables and project expectations to project team members, while also identifying and creating mitigation plans for project risks
• Drive accountability among cross‑functional team members, ensuring an approval readiness and priority for concept and design approval meetings
• Provide regular project status updates highlighting project risks to the senior management team
• Utilize effective communication skills to appropriately inform various levels of the organization and team members in a timely manner
• Facilitate discussions and meetings to enable project teams to resolve conflicts and make timely decisions

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or equivalent experience required
• Minimum 2 years of experience in any of the following areas required: product management, new product planning, commercial planning or project engineering
• Experience in the new product introduction process, sales and operations planning, and the product development process
• Experience in MS Excel required, with an emphasis on an ability to build and present reports
• Experience in communication through remote mediums, such as video conferences, emails and text communication
• Must be comfortable with systems and data analysis
• Experience in change management and with Kaizen principles a plus
• Experience using Workfront a plus
• PMP or CAPM Certification a plus

And here’s our end of the bargain!

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at a salary rate between $70,500-$95,500 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k)…