Manager, project management - fresh foods operations

We are seeking a results-driven Manager, Project Management - Fresh Foods Operations to support strategic initiatives for the Sam's Fresh business onsite at Sam's Club Headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. This role will partner with merchants, operations leaders, field teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to drive project execution, process improvement, training, and operational excellence from planning through implementation.

The ideal candidate brings project management experience along with a strong understanding of retail, CPG, fresh foods, or operational environments. Success in this role requires the ability to build scalable processes, develop documentation and SOPs, analyze business needs, and influence stakeholders across multiple teams. Internal candidates with experience supporting Sam's Club initiatives, business transformation, reporting, automation, or process improvement are encouraged to apply, while external candidates should demonstrate a track record of delivering cross-functional projects and driving measurable business results.

They will work closely with the Senior Manager, Project Management to support the profitability, scope management and on-time delivery of those projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Vendor Management

• Oracle Fusion System Ownership (Purchase Order Requisitioner)
• Responsible for partnering with the Buyer to set-up vendor based on client and Mosaic requirements Facilitate vendor payment
• Document and track all vendor payments
• Liaison with Legal, Buyer, AP, CST to ensure vendor is paid and all other inquiries

Compliance

• Salesforce Project Compliance (budget, project time assignments and approvals, etc.)
• Concur travel and expense approvals
• Understand client MSA financial and legal compliance requirements
• Build out new client MSA compliance guides
• Compilation of all project specific legal/financial compliance documentation requirements
• Internal Pcard Compliance (payments, coding, etc)

Scope Management

• Clear understanding of project scope and client budget
• Supports Senior Project Manager in maintenance and deadlines of project critical path
• Supports Senior Project Manager in project stakeholder education of client requirements and ways of working

Profitability

• Support Senior Project Manager in project Budget Development in partnership with Client Management & Production
• Supports Senior Project Manager in management of project spend to date using standard Mosaic tracker (personnel and out of pocket expenditures)
• Management of project expense forecast for vendor related spend
• On-going project variance analysis recommendations and communication for vendor related spend
• Consulted for historical project data where applicable

Communications

• Supports Senior Project Manager in coordinating, leading, and recapping all internal project status meetings (kick-off, status updates, financial reviews, post project review)
• Communicating critical path progress to all project stakeholders

General

• Internal department collaboration
• Continuous Improvement – Project Operations ways of working
• Supports Senior Project Manager in creation and implementation of departmental tools/templates
• Contributor to the agency's culture, vision, and direction
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School Diploma/GED minimum
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Experience and Skills

• 3 or more years of relevant professional experience, 5 or more years is preferred
• Candidates must possess strong technical skills and hands-on experience utilizing Salesforce, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Power BI and other data visualization, and business productivity tools
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills

Core Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Clear, concise communication
• Effective time management and multitasking
• Critical thinking, resourcefulness, and a proactive mindset
• Work independently as a self-starter
• Manage complexity and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day).
• Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods.
• Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds).
• Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials.
• Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk-based work.
• Follow clear directions.
• Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day.

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Acosta is a part of Acosta Group – a collective of the industry’s most trusted retail, marketing and foodservice agencies reimagining the way people connect with brands at every point in their shopping journey. Specializing in retail sales services, digital strategy, and business intelligence, Acosta empowers brands to thrive in the world of omnichannel shopping. Our sales and digital teams build lasting relationships, ensuring our client brands get the space they deserve in stores and outperform the competition online, while our merch reps make brands shine in retail locations across the world. But it’s not just about what we do – it’s about who we are. With a team of over 20,000 associates, we’re a community of forward-thinking, value-driven professionals committed to an unmatched level of trust and transparency in the industry. And, we understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why many of our field roles provide our associates with flexible scheduling options. Join us and be a part of a team that values growth and making a real impact for our clients, retail partners and their customers. Acosta Group is an equal opportunity employer and will ensure that applicants with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact AskHR@acosta.com. Be sure to include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject of your email to expedite the request. Acosta Group believes in good faith that the minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly compensation range for this opportunity is accurate and reasonable at the time of posting. The Acosta Group utilizes E-Verify for validating the ability to work in the United States for all job candidates. If you want more information on what this entails and your rights as a job applicant, please use the link provided to access information on our use of E-Verify and your right to work. Employer Resources (e-verify.gov) By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use.