NSF is seeking a Project Manager - Contract Research and Product Development leads contracted R&D projects from contract development through execution and delivery. This role serves as the central point of accountability for translating client objectives into compliant, clearly defined project scopes and ensuring high-quality, on-time delivery.
The Project Manager partners closely with clients and internal experts to manage complex research and product development work, develop proposals & statements of work, and uphold regulatory, quality, and operational standards. Success in this role is driven by scientific rigor, strong client relationships, and disciplined project execution.
 

Scientific Project Management

• Lead the end-to-end execution of research and product development projects, including scope definition, timelines, milestones, resource coordination, and deliverables.
• Serve as the central point of accountability for project performance, ensuring deliverables meet scientific rigor, client expectations are met, and internal operational standards are efficient and adhered to. 
• Facilitate communication amongst cross-functional teams of experts, including Research and Product Development Scientists, Analytical scientists, operations personnel, quality managers, and technicians, to ensure alignment of scientific capabilities with project scope.
• Track project progress, resolve issues proactively, and communicate updates to stakeholders and clients.

• Support continuous improvement by identifying process bottlenecks, risks, and efficiency opportunities within project workflows.

Client Partnership & Relationship Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients engaging in specialized services, ensuring a seamless, transparent, and high-quality experience throughout project execution.
• Develop a deep understanding of client goals and needs and track project outcomes to inform service optimization.
• Educate and support clients as they interpret scientific data and make recommendations for continued services.

• Foster long-term client trust by delivering reliable service, anticipating needs, and providing thoughtful, science-driven insights derived from cross-discipline experts within the company. 

Contract Development

• Serve as the author of proposals, SoWs and Contracts, ensuring project scope, methodologies, and deliverables are technically accurate and clearly defined.
• Develop and document scientific research, strategies, justifications, and technical approaches aligned with client objectives.
• Ensure all contracted work adheres to applicable regulatory requirements, quality standards, and internal scientific policies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop contracts for specialized scientific services.
• Align pricing with scientific effort, resource requirements, and operational complexity.
• Ensure contract terms accurately reflect project timelines, responsibilities, and service expectations.

• Enable smooth transitions from contract execution to project delivery through clear documentation and cross-functional alignment.
   

  #LI-CB1

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Biology, or related field).
• 3-7 years of experience in scientific project management, client services, business development, or analytical laboratory operations.
• Experience supporting scientific testing, certification, product development, or regulatory compliance programs.
• Proven ability to translate technical content into clear business value and client recommendations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, writing, and client relationship-building skills.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate scientific information with credibility.
• High adaptability, collaborative working style, and problem-solving orientation.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Willingness to travel to client sites or industry events as needed.

Core Competencies

• Scientific & Technical Acumen (preferably within the food, beverage, dietary supplements industries)
• Project Planning & Execution
• Client Relationship Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Commercial Awareness
• Communication & Influence
• Problem Solving & Innovation
• Adaptability & Resilience

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we’re one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.