Strategy Project Manager, Strategy Support - Lakeland

About the role

Publix’s Strategy Support function operates as an extension of the CEO office, helping senior leadership convert strategic priorities into measurable results that strengthen performance and support long-term growth. The team creates alignment around what matters most, brings clarity to priorities, and keeps execution moving with discipline and speed.

In this role, you will manage high-impact, cross-functional projects from start to finish. You will bring structure, momentum, and accountability to complex work by partnering with leaders across the business, turning broad goals into defined scopes, practical plans, and coordinated delivery.

This position is based in Publix corporate offices in Lakeland, FL. Publix values in-person collaboration, though some corporate areas may allow work from home up to one day per week depending on business-area policy.

Key responsibilities

• Guide cross-functional teams through every stage of the project lifecycle.
• Build strong, trust-based working relationships while respectfully questioning assumptions when needed.
• Use structured project management and problem-solving approaches to drive execution.
• Keep project plans, schedules, and status reporting clear and current so work remains visible.
• Track scope, risks, and dependencies to help ensure commitments are met.
• Share progress updates, risks, and decisions with stakeholders in a clear and timely way.
• Develop project scopes, decision briefs, and materials prepared for executive review.
• Assist with change management and communications that support successful adoption.

Required experience and qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, psychology, accounting, engineering, or another analytical field, or an equivalent mix of work experience, formal training, or certification.
• At least 4 years of experience in a corporate setting, including at least 2 years in project management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and persuade.
• Proven skill in stakeholder mapping, understanding organizational dynamics, and using collaborative approaches to build alignment and trust.
• The ability to learn quickly, absorb complex information, research independently, develop and test hypotheses, and weigh opposing perspectives thoughtfully.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving ability, with experience turning complex inputs into practical recommendations.
• Knowledge of research methods, data synthesis, and evidence-based problem solving for planning and operational improvement.
• Solid understanding of organizational and project management principles, including sequencing short- and mid-term work across multiple concurrent priorities.
• Ability to manage confidential information professionally.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Power BI reporting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally with overnight stays and work variable schedules, including extended hours, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Must be at least 20 years old, able and willing to operate a vehicle, and subject to driving record verification.

Preferred qualifications

• Graduate degree in business, engineering, accounting, psychology, or another analytical discipline.
• 5 or more years of corporate experience, including at least 3 years directly in project management.
• Project management certification such as CAPM, PMP, PgMP, or Six Sigma.
• Deep knowledge of organizational development and change management methods for leading multi-year, cross-functional transformation efforts.
• Strong understanding of the grocery and retail industry, including trends, regulations, competitor strategies, and market disruptors.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Project.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools for innovation or process improvement.

Benefits

• Employee stock ownership plan with annual Publix stock contributions at no cost to associates.
• Option to buy additional shares of privately held stock.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Free hot buffet-style lunches at locations with a cafeteria.

Year-end bonus

Publix provides associates with an extra month of pay each year, pro-rated during the first year, if they remain employed through the bonus issue date. This bonus is treated as a 13th month of pay for annual compensation calculations.

Additional information

Applicants may be required to complete extra steps to stay under consideration, so email should be monitored daily, including the spam folder, for time-sensitive messages that may require action within 24 to 48 hours. The Publix email address should not be used when submitting an application. A confirmation email is sent after successful submission.

Publix Super Markets is one of the largest privately owned supermarket companies in the United States. The company carries no long-term debt and continues to expand year after year. Publix and its associates are active in community involvement, volunteer work, and environmental sustainability. A strong commitment to diversity has helped make Publix a great place to work and shop, and it is a Fortune 100 company recognized as a leader in the supermarket industry.

For this role, Publix will not sponsor or file any immigration-related petition or application with USCIS or the Department of State on behalf of any noncitizen for employment authorization or continuation of employment in the United States, including H-1B, TN, or permanent residence cases.

Work schedule

This position may require occasional overnight travel and a variable schedule that can include extended hours, weekends, and holidays depending on business needs.