Project and Bid Manager

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Project & Bid Manager leads the development of new contract manufacturing and packaging opportunities and supports growth with existing customers. The role drives bid and quotation activities, coordinates internal and external stakeholders, and supports strategic account planning across regions (North America and Europe), with a focus on CPG/FMCG, Food & Beverage, and Healthcare sectors.

The position manages project coordination for new business developments, including technical support, investment calculations, and process definition. The role is responsible for technical assessment, risk evaluation, and establishing business processes to enable profitable growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the quotation process for new business in the US region, including assumptions and inputs for direct labor (process timing calculations), operational and warehouse space, labor and resources, supplier material pricing, startup/ramp-up assumptions, and total cost and P&L readiness.
• Manage the preparation of investment estimates and technical/technological assessments for new projects, based on project scope and complexity.
• Establish business processes for new inquiries, including layouts and end-to-end business flows.
• Prepare facility/building layouts and technical requirements, ensuring compliance with local law, company policies, and applicable standards (e.g., ISO, GMP, FDA).
• Participate in meetings and reviews with potential new customers.
• Prepare and, as needed, co-lead the ODP review process for new projects.
• Maintain databases and documentation for new projects.
• Prepare business risk assessments for new projects.
• Provide technical support related to new machines, equipment, and tooling for new projects for existing customers.
• Own end-to-end project management for new businesses (new machines, new technologies, and/or new sites).
• Lead internal and customer review processes at all organizational levels.
• Manage project budgets and project plans.
• Escalate and report deviations appropriately at all levels, both internally and to customers.
• Support automation roadmap creation for assigned plants in North America and Europe (if applicable)
• Lead and develop the costing and project management team.
• Achieve or exceed annual growth objectives and performance goals, including pricing targets 
• Monitor the contract manufacturing and packaging market for changes, risks, and opportunities.
• Facilitate and attend plant tours and customer events, as appropriate.
• Coordinate inputs from Procurement, New Product Development, R&D, and Planning to develop proposals.
• Deliver successful new customer startups for all new customers and items in the region.
• Coordinate the startup of new projects with all internal departments.
• Facilitate communication with key stakeholders during the startup of new projects/programs.
• Develop and communicate timelines and clarify accountability for execution.
• Identify potential startup issues, develop resolutions, and manage internal and external communication.
• Provide weekly results reporting.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of experience in Contract Manufacturing and/or Contract Packaging.
• 5+ years of experience in CPG/FMCG, Food & Beverage, or Healthcare manufacturing and/or packaging.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Extensive customer-facing and solution development experience.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing, packaging, and/or supply chain operations.
• Strong track record of delivering results via new business wins and/or account growth.
• Strong understanding of financial components of deal development.
• Experience with shared, dedicated, or in-plant/in-DC contract packaging models.
• Strong project management experience.
• Ability to work independently while being an outstanding team player.
• Willingness to travel (see Travel Requirements).
• Ability to distill customer needs and maintain a strong customer focus.
• Ability to navigate complex customer organizations and build strong relationships.
• Supply chain management or operations experience (preferred).
• Strong executive presence.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with peers and cross-functional teams.

COMPLIANCE & CONFIDENTIALITY

• Maintain the confidentiality of company and customer information encountered during employment.
• Adhere to all regulatory and company policies, procedures, and work instructions, including Truvant policies, customer-specific policies, ISO, GMP, USDA, and applicable food safety and food defense requirements.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read documents, printouts, computer screens, and other communications.
• Ability to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers.
• Ability to reach, touch, and grasp.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for prolonged periods.
• Ability to climb, stoop/kneel, lift, pull, and push.
• Ability to conduct work safely to avoid accidents while on the production floor.
• Ability to work in various environments based on building location and products.
• Physical demand level: sedentary to medium work; lifting and positioning loads up to 35 pounds.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• • 50% travel to support business needs; primarily domestic with occasional international travel.