Product Development Project Manager

Zwiesel Fortessa Americas LLC previously known as Fortessa Tableware Solutions, LLC, a leading global tableware company part of the Zwiesel Fortessa Group, has been an integrated designer, developer, and marketer of high-quality tableware for more than 30 years. We design and source the dinnerware, flatware, glassware and serveware selected by the top foodservice professionals worldwide and preferred for home entertaining. 

Our products are found in over 80% of Forbes four- and five-star hotels in North America; it’s clear that we do business with those who expect (and deliver) the best! 

We are recognized for innovative design, industry leading manufacturing standards, and an uncompromising commitment to customer service. We are passionate about our values, our people, and our products. We value work/life balance, creativity, collaboration, and making a difference in the community. 

The Product Development Project Manager leads the execution of Zwiesel Fortessa Americas’ product and packaging initiatives from concept through commercialization. Managing concurrent projects, this role ensures timelines, deliverables, and approvals stay on track across cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Creative, Finance, Operations, Supply Planning) and external vendors.

The Project Manager serves as a key connector—driving alignment, removing obstacles, and maintaining project momentum. Success requires exceptional attention to detail, strong project management skills, and proactive communication. This role must identify potential risks early and recommend actionable solutions to keep initiatives on track.

In close partnership with the Product Development Director, this role ensures alignment with the broader product pipeline, financial objectives, and sourcing strategies. The Project Manager also partners with the VP of Creative to uphold brand standards and design integrity throughout development.

As a daily representative of Zwiesel Fortessa to manufacturers and suppliers, this role must consistently reflect the company’s professionalism, reliability, and core values.

Project Management & Execution

• Manage assigned product and packaging projects from initial brief through purchase order (PO) placement and Top of Production (TOP) approval.
• Develop and maintain detailed timelines, ensuring critical milestones—samples, costing, reviews, and inspections—are met.
• Lead regular status meetings and milestone reviews to drive accountability.
• Proactively identify risks, escalate concerns, and present timely, practical solutions.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the primary liaison across internal (Sales, Marketing, Creative, Finance, Operations, Supply Planning) functions for active projects.
• Share decisions, updates, and action items clearly using the designated project management tools.
• Collaborate with Finance and Sales to incorporate margin targets and pricing feedback early in development.
• Anticipate roadblocks and coordinate resolution across functions to protect launch success.

Product Strategy Alignment

• Ensure all projects align with product roadmap, financial goals, and sourcing strategy.
• Provide status updates and contribute to cross-functional checkpoints, maintaining accurate documentation in required systems.

Creative & Design Integration

• Collaborate with the VP, Creative and Creative team to uphold brand standards, product form, and packaging intent.
• Coordinate review of samples and prototypes; document and route internal feedback.
• Address vendor feasibility challenges without compromising design integrity.

Vendor & Product Data Coordination

• Maintain alignment with Supply Planning, Product Development leadership, and Vendor Compliance on sourcing priorities and new product activity.
• Initiate and manage vendor projects focused on samples, drawings, and packaging specifications.
• Schedule and coordinate regular meetings with vendors to review project progress and address requirements.
• Communicate technical drawings and packaging specifications to vendors, ensuring clarity and timely delivery of documentation.
• Track and secure timely approvals and receipt of samples from vendors to keep projects on schedule.
• Collaborate with Finance and Sales to validate costs and ensure profitability at each stage of the process.
• Support sourcing diversification and vendor transitions in alignment with company goals.
• Represent Zwiesel Fortessa professionally in all external communications.

Systems & Product Data Management

• Create and manage part numbers, SKUs, and product data in ERP, PLM, and BI systems.
• Ensure all product information is accurate, complete, and updated to support launches.
• Organize and maintain physical samples, coordinate access and product reviews across internal teams.

Time Management & Ownership

• Independently manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Prioritize competing demands with ownership, urgency, and strong follow-through.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy and responsiveness across all deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferred in Business, Product Development, or related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in project or product management, ideally in consumer goods.
• Proven success managing cross-functional development projects from concept to launch.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Clear, concise communicator across written, verbal, and visual formats.

Technical & Tool Proficiency

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet).
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and technical drawings preferred.
• Comfortable using ERP, PLM, and BI systems for product and business data.

Other Requirements

• Occasional domestic and international travel required.
• Ability to work beyond standard hours during peak project periods; reasonable accommodations apply.
• Ability to lift and handle product and packaging samples up to 40lbs as needed.

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Proactive, detail-oriented problem solver with strong follow-through.
• Collaborative team player with ability to manage across levels and functions.
• Customer- and brand-centric mindset with high personal ownership.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and focused in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Consistently demonstrates professionalism and integrity in all interactions.

Position open to all US residents legally authorized to work in the US. 

Full-time position (40-hour work week); 8-hour shift Monday through Friday.

We offer a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), company paid short and long term disability, generous paid time off, holiday pay, and employee discount.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEOC guidelines.

We look forward to hearing from you!