R&D Tech Ops Project Manager

At Thorne, we work to deliver high-quality, science-backed solutions to empower individuals to take a proactive approach to their well-being. Each day begins with a mission to help others discover and achieve their best health. We count on our team members to challenge and push the boundaries to make that happen. At Thorne, you’ll be joining a team of more than 750 passionate individuals committed to our cause of providing superior health solutions at every age and life stage. The R&D Tech Ops Project Manager is responsible for leading complex, cross-functional projects within the Technical Operations segment of Thorne’s Research & Development organization. This role manages multiple workstreams from idea through launch using Thorne’s Stage Gate process, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with established quality and operational requirements. Projects may include production optimization, quality and compliance initiatives, consumer expectations, cost savings and business continuity, core product growth, technology transfers, and line extensions. The R&D Tech Ops Project Manager establishes project plans, timelines, milestones, risks, and deliverables while creating alignment and accountability across project teams. Working closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Brand, Finance, Medical, Scientific, Clinical, Regulatory Affairs, and other cross-functional partners, this role serves as a central point of coordination for Technical Operations projects. The ideal candidate combines hands-on manufacturing knowledge with strong project leadership, operational excellence expertise, and the ability to translate complex technical and business requirements into clear, executable project plans. Travel Requirements: Approximately 15% RESPONSIBILITIES Lead multiple Technical Operations projects from initial concept through implementation and launch using Thorne’s Stage Gate process and established R&D Project Management Office (PMO) practices. Serve as the R&D project lead and advocate for assigned Tech Ops initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, within scope, and at the expected level of quality. Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, resource requirements, and success measures for assigned initiatives. Lead, coordinate, and facilitate cross-functional project teams, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, priorities, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Brand, Finance, Medical, Scientific, Clinical, Regulatory Affairs, and other stakeholders to align technical and business requirements. Manage projects involving production optimization, quality and compliance, cost savings, business continuity, technology transfers, core product growth, consumer expectations, and line extensions. Proactively identify project risks, dependencies, constraints, and potential roadblocks and develop mitigation and contingency plans to protect project timelines, budgets, scope, and quality. Monitor project performance against established milestones and proactively address schedule, resource, budget, quality, or execution risks. Maintain accurate and current project documentation, serving as the central source of truth for project plans, decisions, timelines, deliverables, risks, and status. Prepare and communicate project status reports, highlighting progress, milestones, risks, challenges, decisions, and recommended solutions for project teams and business stakeholders. Facilitate project meetings, decision-making discussions, and cross-functional working sessions to drive alignment, accountability, and timely resolution of issues. Build strong, trusting relationships across project teams and stakeholder groups to promote transparency, collaboration, and effective execution. Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from production-floor employees and technical subject matter experts to senior executives. Apply project management and operational excellence methodologies to identify opportunities, improve project execution, and support effective decision-making. Develop and lead improvement strategies and initiatives that strengthen operational performance and project management effectiveness. Track project outcomes, lessons learned, successes, and challenges and apply insights to continuously improve future project execution and R&D PMO practices. Maintain rigor and consistency across project management systems, reporting, documentation, and governance to ensure timely and reliable project information. Support a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. WHAT YOU NEED Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or a related discipline required; Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Analytics, or a related field preferred. 5–10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of hands-on experience working in a manufacturing or production-floor environment. At least 2 years of demonstrated experience successfully leading and delivering projects within a manufacturing environment. Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation or market launch. Experience working with Stage Gate processes and project management methodologies supporting new product development, technology transfers, product changes, or line extensions. Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment and familiarity with applicable regulatory and quality requirements. Experience supporting operational excellence, process improvement, manufacturing optimization, or related Technical Operations initiatives. Project Management certification preferred. Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APICS, or related operational excellence certification preferred. Technical Knowledge Strong knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, tools, and best practices, including project planning, scheduling, resource management, risk management, and project governance. Working knowledge of Stage Gate processes and their application to new product development, line extensions, technology transfers, and manufacturing initiatives. Understanding of manufacturing operations, production workflows, process optimization, and the dependencies between R&D and commercial manufacturing. Knowledge of operational excellence methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. Ability to identify, assess, prioritize, and mitigate project risks while developing practical contingency plans. Ability to analyze project and operational data and translate findings into actionable recommendations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Experience with Smartsheet and Power BI for project planning, tracking, reporting, and data visualization. Familiarity with regulatory compliance and industry-specific standards applicable to regulated manufacturing environments. Ability to maintain accurate project documentation, reporting, and data to support effective project governance and decision-making. Core Competencies Exceptional project leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects, workstreams, priorities, and cross-functional teams simultaneously. Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage timelines, resources, dependencies, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to establish trust and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization. Ability to lead through influence and create accountability across cross-functional teams without relying on direct reporting relationships. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information for technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders ranging from production-floor employees and technical specialists to senior executives. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk-management skills with the ability to identify issues early and develop practical solutions. Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings, drive decisions, resolve competing priorities, and maintain momentum across complex projects. Strong attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining accurate project documentation, reporting, and project controls. Adaptability and resilience with the ability to effectively lead projects in a rapidly changing, high-growth environment. Continuous improvement mindset with a demonstrated interest in improving processes, systems, and ways of working. Ability to work independently with minimal direction while maintaining strong collaboration and communication with project stakeholders. Demonstrated accountability and ownership with a consistent track record of delivering against established commitments and objectives. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive compensation 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance Company- paid life insurance 401k plan with employer matching contributions up to 4% Gym membership reimbursement Monthly allowance of Thorne supplements Paid time off, volunteer time off and holiday leave Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities