Commercialization Manager

Manage the end-to-end commercialization process for Maker’s Pride products by coordinating internal and external resources, developing and maintaining project timelines, and driving cross-functional alignment from concept through plant trials, first production, and post-launch reviews.

Responsibilities

• Manage product commercialization through detailed project management timelines while continuously working cross-functionally with internal and external partners.
• Develop and manage project timelines to ensure milestones are met, including taking immediate action with departments that are behind schedule.
• Manage and execute the steps and stages of the Maker’s Pride product lifecycle from commercialization planning through execution.
• Plan and schedule trials and first productions while keeping milestone tracker tools current and accurate.
• Communicate updates, risks, and issues upward to leadership and across functions as needed.
• Evaluate alternative processes, products, and business solutions to support successful commercialization outcomes.
• Support plant trials by facilitating professional communication between customers and the internal Maker’s Pride team.
• Coordinate and oversee plant trial preparations with Operations Managers, ensuring customer expectations are clearly defined.
• Ensure plant teams manage inbound materials, document preparation, and operational interface requirements.
• Ensure two-way document accuracy for customer projects and related commercialization activities.
• Collaborate with customers to ensure plant specifications meet customer expectations.
• Coordinate, oversee, and distribute project information between departments; identify key problem areas, propose solutions, and collaborate with other areas/departments for resolution before finalizing the project timeline.
• Drive daily engagement, continuous alignment, and oversight of internal cross-functional team deliverables across Operations, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Scheduling, Procurement, R&D, Sales, Finance, Legal, Packaging, and Regulatory to prevent timeline creep.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of all production lines and the processes necessary to commercialize products across manufacturing facilities.
• Support Packaging in the development of technical packaging solutions, including film, cases, cartons, and retail-ready displays; work with the internal cross-functional team to plan, roll out, and execute solutions.
• Facilitate post-trial discussions with key stakeholders to review results, determine next steps, and capture lessons learned.
• Conduct Commercialization Kaizen events/reviews of commercialized products 30, 60, and 90 days post-launch to improve capabilities and efficiencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent food industry experience preferred.
• Project management, continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or related certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in commercialization, project management, manufacturing operations, product development, or a related field.
• Prior experience in the food manufacturing industry preferred.
• Experience managing internal and external customers and adapting through change.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Pricing, Procurement, Commercialization, Regulatory, and production teams/processes.
• Experience supporting product cost understanding and P&L management expectations preferred.

Skills

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, SAP, PowerPoint, and presentation tools.
• Strong SAP skills.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in an organized manner.
• Strong financial skills essential to understanding product cost and P&L management expectations.
• Strong documentation skills, including the ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong customer service, analytical, and business acumen skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build strong relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Schedule

Hybrid role; work out of our Geneva, IL plant 3-4 days/week and have the ability to work remotely 1-2 days/week after the full training period.

Pay

The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $110,152 - $151,459/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k, and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.