PMO Manager

Kevin’s Natural Foods is seeking a PMO Manager to stand up and operationalize our first Project Management Office (PMO). This role will serve as the initial builder of PMO capabilities: establishing structure, processes, and visibility across critical cross-functional initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this individual will partner closely with leadership to drive alignment, prioritization, and execution across all functions of the organization. While not directly leading a team, this role will spearhead high-impact initiatives and serve as a central driver of project discipline across the organization. Some examples of projects may include: Stage Gate Governance, Trade Planning Implementation, Enterprise-wide productivity, Data Warehouse/Power BI Implementation. This is a highly hands-on role for someone who thrives in building from the ground up, influencing without authority, and driving outcomes in a fast-paced, evolving environment. The ideal candidate not only operates with a humble & hungry mindset, but brings a command-level standard of discipline, accountability, and a relentless commitment to mission execution. What You’ll Do: · Stand up and operationalize the company’s first PMO, including frameworks, templates, and governance models · Establish practical, scalable project management methodologies suited for a fast-paced food manufacturing environment · Select and implement project management tools and reporting systems · Define and manage project intake, prioritization, and governance processes · Partner with the Chief of Staff and leadership team to build and maintain a centralized project roadmap · Create visibility into all active and proposed initiatives across the organization · Develop prioritization frameworks based on business impact, urgency, and resource capacity · Ensure alignment between strategic priorities and execution · Lead high-priority, cross-functional projects as needed · Drive timelines, accountability, and coordination across functions without direct authority · Act as the connective tissue through project completion for all projects · Identify risks, dependencies, and resource constraints early and proactively · Drive clarity and resolution in environments with competing priorities · Build KPIs and dashboards to track project progress and overall PMO effectiveness · Provide structured, executive-level updates on project health, risks, and outcomes · Support leadership decision-making through clear insights and recommendations · Coach teams on project management best practices and elevate overall organizational discipline · Other duties as assigned or necessary. What You’ll Need: · Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent leadership experience (including military service) · 5+ years of experience leading projects, programs, or operations in fast-paced, high-accountability environments (military, manufacturing, CPG, or similar) · Demonstrated ability to drive complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities · Proven experience improving processes, building structure, or operating in ambiguous environments · Strong ability to influence and align cross-functional teams without direct authority · Executive-level communication skills and leadership presence, with the ability to engage confidently with senior leaders and drive alignment · Ability to distill complex problems into clear, actionable steps that teams can execute against. Strong sense of accountability and follow-through, ensuring commitments are met and results are delivered. · Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through · Ability to operate independently, stand alone when needed, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment · Ability to prioritize effectively and drive results under pressure · Experience with project management tools, systems, or operational tracking (ERP experience such as SAP is a plus) · PMP, PgMP, or e…