Commercialization & Account Specialist

About the role

Performance Pet Products is opening a new position to serve as a bridge between Sales, R&D, Operations, and the customer, owning the flow from product development through commercialization and launch. They manage the commercialization workflow and R&D hopper, keep customers aligned on orders and forecasts, and drive follow-up across teams so projects keep moving and Sales can focus on winning and growing business.

Areas of Accountability

• Commercialization & Launch Coordination
• Account Support
• Cross-Functional Follow-Through

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Own and maintain new product development and commercialization workflow forms, checklists, timelines, and status updates
• Manage the R&D Hopper with Sales and R&D; identify projects approaching commercialization and ensure clear handoffs, owners, and next steps
• Serve as the primary coordination point between Sales, R&D, QA, Procurement, Operations, Planning, and customers as products move toward launch
• Drive follow-up on commercialization requirements including customer approvals, packaging and artwork, pricing, documentation, trials, ERP setup, and launch readiness
• Follow up with customer accounts on order status, upcoming needs, forecasts, launch timing, and open action items
• Communicate customer forecasts and demand changes to Sales and plant planning teams to support production and material planning
• Support Sales with account administration, customer communication, project follow-through, and preparation needed to achieve account and commission goals
• Maintain accurate customer, product, launch, and account information in applicable systems and shared files
• Identify delays, missing information, and unclear ownership early; coordinate resolution with the appropriate team member
• Support new product trials, first production runs, customer launches, and post-launch follow-up as needed
• Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance
• Travel as needed to support customers, launches, and business needs
• Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field preferred
• 3+ years experience in project management, account support, customer service, commercialization, manufacturing, or product development preferred
• Strong organization and follow-through with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with customers and cross-functional teams
• Ability to identify gaps, clarify ownership, and keep projects moving without creating unnecessary complexity
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; ERP or project tracking system experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Perform desk work (sitting or standing) for up to 100% of workday
• Repetitively use wrist, hand, and/or fingers