Strategic Project Manager / Chief of Staff (hybrid)

About Franke

We, the Franke company with its three divisions, are a world's leading supplier of products and services for domestic kitchens, the professional foodservice systems and the convenience store sector as well as for professional coffee making. With around 60 companies, we are at home on five continents. Over 8,000 employees constantly take on new perspectives to identify opportunities and turn them into inspiring, innovative solutions for tomorrow’s demands.

The Franke Foodservice Systems division is a world-leading supplier of kitchen facilities, equipment and supplies solutions. As a full system manufacturer, distributor and program management partner, we supply global chains in the quick-service restaurant, convenience store and supermarket segments, helping to manage unit growth and upgrade their facilities.

About the job

We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable Strategic Project Manager / Chief of Staff to directly support the Division CEO in Smyrna in driving cross-functional, global, and high-impact regional initiatives.

This role is a critical connector within the division, ensuring structured execution of strategic priorities, hands-on problem solving, and agile support across a dynamic set of topics—from project oversight and M&A activity to executive presentations and special initiatives.

This is an ideal opportunity for a smart, analytically minded, and fast-learning professional early in their career who seeks exposure to global operations, senior leadership, and diverse business challenges.

Your tasks

• Project Leadership & Oversight
  Own the tracking, coordination, and execution follow-up of division-wide strategic projects, using the Franke project management methodology and Smartsheet tools.
• Serve as a hands-on project leader or project controller for critical regional projects with high business impact.
  Ensure alignment across stakeholders and maintain structured documentation, status reporting, and risk tracking.
• M&A Contribution
  Support the Division CEO and business development teams on M&A pipeline activities, including opportunity assessment, business case preparation, and project management of key due diligence workstreams.
• Strategic Problem Solver & Special Initiatives Deployment
  Act as a versatile resource who can be rapidly deployed to address urgent, high-impact, or cross-functional business challenges.
  Step into strategic initiatives or sensitive topics that require immediate structure, momentum, or executive-level oversight.
• Executive Support (Non-Administrative)
  Prepare presentation materials for the Division CEO and leadership team for global town halls, board briefings, strategic offsites, and investor or partner meetings.
  Conduct analysis and build narratives to support strategic decision-making.
• Business Insight & Liaison
  Build a broad view of the business by interfacing with regional and global leaders.
  Contribute thought leadership and structured input on division-wide topics, identifying improvement opportunities or synergies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Economics, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution
• 2–5 years of hands-on experience in project management roles within matrixed organizations, management consulting firms, corporate strategy departments, or global operations teams
• Proficiency in enterprise-grade project management platforms; Smartsheet experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated exposure to mergers & acquisitions (M&A), strategic planning, or high-complexity, cross-functional project environments
• Experience working in international settings or with geographically dispersed teams is highly desirable
• Exceptional analytical and structured problem-solving skills; adept at breaking down complex challenges into actionable insights and solutions
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proactive mindset and strong ownership of deliverables and timelines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; confident in presenting to and influencing senior stakeholders across business functions
• Fast learner with a high degree of intellectual curiosity; thrives in dynamic environments and adapts quickly to new tasks and challenges
• Comfortable working across diverse cultures, time zones, and organizational contexts; demonstrates sensitivity and inclusivity in global team interactions

What we offer you

• This role provides exceptional visibility across the division’s strategy, operations, and leadership. It offers a natural stepping-stone into future leadership roles—whether in project leadership, commercial management, operations, or strategy—either in Tennessee or internationally.
• Reports To: Division CEO 
• Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Vision, Dental, and more) starting day 1
• Free onsite health clinic (located in our Smyrna, TN facility)
• Free life insurance
• 401k match up to 4%
• PTO and 11 paid holidays

Contact details

Nadja Guenthard, Global Head of Recruiting and talent 

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