- Location
- New Century, KS, US · New Century
- Department
- Operations
- Seniority
- Entry
- Experience
- 2+ years
Description
Junior Portfolio & Innovation (P&I)
Flora Food Group | Portfolio & Innovation Team
Role Overview
The Junior Portfolio & Innovation (P&I) Lead plays a critical supporting role within the Innovation Supply Chain, acting as an operational partner to cross functional teams across Marketing, R&D, Planning, Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, Quality, and Sourcing Units. P&I represents the end-to-end supply chain in project teams for Innovations, Renovations, Value Creation Projects (VCPs), and network changes—ensuring projects launch on time, in full, and with the right technical and operational readiness.
This role combines analytical and operational excellence with strong cross functional collaboration. The Junior P&I Lead assists with feasibility assessment, code creation, data validation, trial coordination, supply chain risk identification, and supporting projects through the Gate approval process.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Support the development of project scopes, feasibility assessments, and supply chain requirements during early project stages
- Conduct high-level capacity checks with Planning and identify potential CAPEX needs or supply chain risks.
- Collect and coordinate supply chain inputs for Gate documentation across all stages
- Assist in planning for first productions, stock builds, and operational readiness.
- Cross Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with R&D, T&I, Planning, Procurement, Logistics, and Quality to understand recipes, packaging, material, and technical requirements.
- Participate in technical kick‑off meetings and support Technical Risk Assessments (TRA) and Project Classification Tools (PCT).
- Act as the link between North American commercial teams and EU/global supply chain functions when applicable.
- Data Analysis & Documentation
- Use SAP-integrated tools such as Power BI reports, Material Reports, Maextro, and BOM views to validate supply chain data.
- Support creation and maintenance of Code Request Forms and master data inputs required for new SKUs and MRPs.
- Assist with costing inputs using the Innovation Costing Template, gathering raw material, pack, conversion, and logistics data
- Project & Performance Monitoring
- Track projects and ensure KPIs such as BOM creation, costing, artwork release, and material deliveries remain on track.
- Support reporting of project status, risks, and milestones to P&I leadership and Planning teams.
- Trial & Launch Support
- Support T&I and R&D in trial requests, preparation, and execution at Sourcing Units or 3PM partners.
- Ensure readiness documentation, artwork requirements, palletization references, and production planning inputs are aligned for smooth first production.
- Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce complexity, and improve data accuracy in areas such as BOM management, code creation, and project handovers.
- Contribute to continuous improvement in project delivery and supply chain performance across the P&I team.
Qualifications
Required
- 2–4 years of experience in supply chain, planning, innovation project coordination, or a similar operational role.
- Strong analytical skills and comfort working in ERP/MDM systems (e.g., SAP, Maextro).
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a structured, organized manner.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross functional teams.
Preferred
- Experience in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) or food manufacturing
- Exposure to innovation or renovation workflows, stage gate processes, or technical project management.
- Familiarity with demand/supply planning concepts and tools (IBP, Power BI, S&OP).
- Knowledge of packaging formats, raw material structures, or manufacturing processes.
Success Criteria
- Delivers accurate, timely inputs for Gate processes and project documentation.
- Maintains strong stakeholder relationships with Planning, R&D, T&I, and Quality.
- Ensures new product introductions progress through master data and costing flows without delays.
- Demonstrates proactive problem solving and ownership of project tasks.
- Supports operational excellence through data quality, communication, and risk identification.
What’s next
If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now!
We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles.
Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.
No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.
