Julianne Chai
Santa Fe,NM
Summary
Dynamic and collaborative project management leader with 15+ years of experience delivering operational excellence and innovation for CPG brands, with a strong focus on personal care and beauty products. Proven track record of driving end-to-end product development—balancing speed-to-market, quality, and sustainability—while leading cross-functional teams and global supply chains. Deep expertise in sourcing, procurement, and product costing, combined with a passion for creating high-performing, planet-friendly products that resonate with today’s conscious consumers.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Project Management
Biossance at The Hut Group (THG)
01.2024 - Current
- Lead turnkey and non-turnkey product development for skin and body care innovations, aligning cross-functional teams in R&D, Packaging, Supply Chain, and Brand to ensure timely and on-budget execution.
- Implemented project management methodologies and tools to streamline processes, driving continuous improvement across all product commercialization stages.
- Oversee project timelines, pricing strategy, and resource planning while proactively managing risk and mitigating bottlenecks.
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership on project scope, risk management, and strategic adjustments to maintain alignment with organizational goals.
Director, Project Management Office
Amyris, Inc.
08.2021 - 01.2024
- Led the PMO for a portfolio of 10+ brands, guiding project teams through all phases of the project lifecycle, from conceptualization to execution and delivery.
- Led and mentored a team of project managers, establishing consistent project planning frameworks and ensuring adherence to timelines and stakeholder requirements.
- Partnered with contract manufacturers, labs, and packaging vendors to align on quality standards, negotiate contracts, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Designed and implemented scalable project management systems that supported brand incubation, global sourcing, and seamless cross-functional execution.
Senior Sourcing & Project Manager
Biossance at Amyris, Inc.
12.2018 - 08.2021
- Oversaw full turnkey/non-turnkey NPD cycles for skincare and haircare categories, from product briefing through launch execution across internal and external teams.
- Managed supplier relationships and pricing negotiations, optimizing COGs while maintaining quality and meeting key launch timelines.
- Delivered 20–40% cost savings on key packaging components through strategic sourcing and supplier collaboration.
Supply Chain & Innovation Project Manager
Perricone MD
02.2017 - 12.2018
- Led premium anti-aging skin care product development and commercialization, including new formulations and reformulations.
- Managed end-to-end procurement operations, optimizing supplier relationships and logistics to achieve product launch timelines and cost objectives.
Project Manager, New Product Introduction & Operations
Kendo Brands
11.2013 - 11.2016
- Managed the full project lifecycle for brands including Marc Jacobs Beauty, Kat Von D Beauty, and Formula X, overseeing new product development and market launch.
- Collaborated with internal teams and external vendors to align product strategies with brand goals, ensuring timely execution.
Project Manager, New Product Development
WX Brands (formerly Winery Exchange)
12.2010 - 11.2013
- Managed end-to-end project phases for launching over 50 SKUs, working with major customers like Whole Foods, Safeway, BevMo, and Walgreens.
- Coordinated production planning, scheduling, artwork approvals, and packaging design to ensure timely product launches.
- Led cross-functional teams across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Compliance to align project timelines and deliverables with customer expectations.
Project Manager, Technical Operations
BioMarin Pharmaceutical
06.2009 - 11.2010
- Led project controls for BioMarin's largest manufacturing expansion project, overseeing a $60+ million budget from construction through procurement, validation, and launch.
- Managed vendor schedules and tasks, ensuring alignment with critical project milestones and timelines to maintain project continuity and meet deadlines.
Education
B.A. - International Relations
University of California, Davis
Skills
- Project Lifecycle Management
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Team & Relationship Building
- Scope Management & Budget Control
- Change Management & Process Optimization
- Contract Negotiation & RFP Process
- NetSuite, Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project Smartsheet, Workfront, Wrike
Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Timeline
Director, Project Management
Biossance at The Hut Group (THG)
01.2024 - Current
Director, Project Management Office
Amyris, Inc.
08.2021 - 01.2024
Senior Sourcing & Project Manager
Biossance at Amyris, Inc.
12.2018 - 08.2021
Supply Chain & Innovation Project Manager
Perricone MD
02.2017 - 12.2018
Project Manager, New Product Introduction & Operations
Kendo Brands
11.2013 - 11.2016
Project Manager, New Product Development
WX Brands (formerly Winery Exchange)
12.2010 - 11.2013
Project Manager, Technical Operations
BioMarin Pharmaceutical
06.2009 - 11.2010
B.A. - International Relations
University of California, Davis
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