Temp R&D Project Manager

About RitualRitual is a personal health brand that is raising the bar for daily wellness. Known for our best-selling, clinically backed prenatal, we create science-backed supplements with transparency at their core. We believe women deserve products they can trust, backed by real evidence—not just promises.We started by reinventing the multivitamin with the first visible supply chain of its kind. Today, we’re expanding into new categories with the same high standards that built our reputation. Hundreds of thousands trust Ritual, and we’re growing fast.Our team of 120+ scientists, creatives, and skeptics is raising the bar for women’s health. We’re venture-backed, based in sunny Los Angeles, and always looking for people ready to challenge the industry—and do the best work of their careers.About The RoleWe’re looking for a 6-month temporary R&D Project Manager who brings clarity and momentum to product and packaging renovation work. You’ll lead cross-functional projects that update products, packaging, and suppliers, and you’ll also design and run a simple, transparent intake process for non-R&D operational requests. You connect dots, remove blockers, and keep teams focused on what matters: delivering quality work on time.What You'll DoRun product & packaging renovation projects end to endEstablish product & packaging renovation project timelines, ensuring clear scope and success criteria, establishing appropriate scenarios based on risk, looking for opportunities to parallel path activities and solve for dependencies to deliver projects on time Partner with key vendors (manufacturing partners, packaging vendors, etc) Execute the project plan by facilitating meetings, evaluating resources (FTEs, costs), and managing deliverablesDrive change control, specs, labeling, and artwork updates with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Creative, and PackagingDesign, roll-out and own non-NPD project intakeStand up a lightweight project intake flow with brief templates, approval process and project kick-off standardsLead weekly triage, prioritize with data, and move approved work into executable plansMaintain a clear status view for requestors and stakeholdersTrack volume, cycle times, and bottlenecks to continuously improveElevate ways of workingKeep the shared roadmap accurate and usefulStandardize templates for timelines, risk logs, and status updatesSupport governance forums with tight, decision-ready materials including risk assessments and confidence levelsBuild trust across Brand, R&D, Packaging, Ops, and external partnersDrive continuous process improvement through tools like lesson and learnsWho You AreA steady hand in complexity. You organize, clarify, and keep work moving.A proactive problem-solver. You spot risks early and propose practical paths forwardA clear communicator. You tailor updates to the audience and make next steps obvious.Detail-oriented with follow-through. You sweat the details without losing the plot.Team-first. You build strong relationships and make collaboration feel easy.What You'll NeedExperience: 3–6 years in project or program management in CPG, nutraceuticals, or adjacent physical productsRenovation (product and/or packaging) or change-control experience highly preferredDirect collaboration with manufacturers, packaging vendors, and suppliersMethodology: Familiarity with Innovation Stage Gate methodology. Experience producing physical products for a Direct to Consumer (DTC) or omni channel brand.Tools: Ability to use Google Suite required. Familiarity with Notion or demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technology tools required.We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed above. We're committed to building a diverse team and recognize that skills can be developed in many different ways.CompensationPay Range: $106,000 - $140,000Your base salary is one part of your total compensation package. The salary range represents the entire compensation range for this position. Exact compensation will depend on a number of factors, which may include the successful candidate's skills, level, years of experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. This role is also eligible for equity + generous benefits + 401k + unlimited PTO etc - see our list of perks/ benefits below.What We OfferHealth & WellnessMedical, Dental, Vision, and Life InsuranceHealthcare & Dependent Care FSAMental health support via TalkspacePet insurance discount10 Wellness Days per Year (Final Friday of every month)Free Ritual subscription during your tenureAnnual Wellness StipendMonthly wellness activitiesFinancial & Career Support401(k) Match (up to 4%)Monthly Technology Stipend New Hire Work From Home StipendFamily & Flexibility5 months of gender-neutral parental leave for eligible team membersFlex Time for birthing parentsFamily Planning via Maven Clinic Monthly Childcare AllowanceTime OffUnlimited PTO (with a 10-day minimum to recharge)11 Paid Company HolidaysAdditional company time off for holidays that fall around a weekendWinter Break (Christmas - New Years)Holiday Diversity Policy2 Days to volunteer (Days of Action)Focus Fridays for self-development and deep work