About the job

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

North Lawndale Employment Network is seeking a highly organized and driven Project Manager to lead and oversee key initiatives within our organization. The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects on time, within scope, and within budget. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, manage resources, and ensure successful project outcomes.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and detail-oriented, specializing in Retail and Supply Chain Management. This role will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of projects that enhance operational efficiency, drive retail growth, and optimize supply chain performance. This role will require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams to ensure timely and cost-effective project completion.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning & Coordination:

• Lead end-to-end project management for retail and supply chain initiatives, including scope definition, resource allocation, timelines, and risk management.
• Develop detailed project plans, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and priorities.
• Set clear milestones, KPIs, and deliverables to track project progress and ensure successful outcomes.

Retail Operations Focus:

• Implement strategies for improving store operations, customer experience, and sales performance.
• Oversee retail store design and layout projects, product assortment planning, and visual merchandising improvements.
• Support inventory management and demand forecasting efforts to ensure timely product availability.

Supply Chain Management:

• Manage the optimization of the supply chain process, focusing on inventory control, logistics, and distribution.
• Work closely with vendors, suppliers, and logistics partners to streamline operations and reduce costs.
• Monitor and improve the performance of transportation and strategies to ensure timely deliveries and efficient supply chain flow.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders, including internal teams, vendors, suppliers, and senior management.
• Conduct regular status meetings, provide progress reports, and manage project documentation to ensure transparency and stakeholder alignment.

Risk & Issue Management:

• Identify potential risks and issues related to project timelines, budget, and resources, and proactively address them.
• Implement mitigation strategies and adjust plans as necessary to keep projects on track.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring that projects are delivered within financial constraints.
• Ensure proper resource allocation across teams and departments to meet project goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or similar project management qualification is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, with a focus on retail and supply chain operations.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects from conception through completion in retail and/or supply chain settings.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, inventory management, logistics, and distribution systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency with project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project).
• Analytical skills to assess supply chain performance and retail metrics.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).