Stage-Gate & Claims Coordinator

Role

Sun Gro Horticulture is seeking a Stage-Gate & Claims Coordinator in Agawam, Massachusetts. The role offers a salary range of $55,000 - $75,000.

About the role

The Portfolio & Claims Coordinator supports portfolio management processes and oversees claims administration across professional growing media and retail product lines (IGC and big box channels). Reporting to the Portfolio Manager – Stage-Gate Governance, this role ensures the smooth execution of stage-gate processes while also driving disciplined claims management, reporting, and resolution.

Responsibilities

• Support administration of the stage-gate process for product development, reformulations, and packaging initiatives
• Schedule and coordinate gate reviews, ensuring all required deliverables are complete and accurate
• Track project timelines, milestones, and action items across R&D, operations, and commercial teams
• Maintain portfolio dashboards, tracking tools, and documentation
• Aid in the preparation of executive portfolio reviews and pipeline updates
• Coordination and support of claims administration
• Monitor and manage open claims, ensuring timely progression and resolution
• Review claims in the Administration stage to ensure accuracy of credit memos, completion of required documentation, and system fields
• Complete final administrative approvals and close claims when appropriate
• Track and follow up on key actions including requests for additional information during discovery, approval/rejection decisions from PMs, DMs, and RSMs
• Act as a liaison between teams including R&D, Operations / Supply Chain, Finance, Sales (RSMs, DMs), Regulatory, Marketing, Technical Services (TS), Grower Specialist (GS)
• Facilitate alignment between technical product development and commercial execution
• Coordinate and lead recurring cross-functional meetings (e.g., claims review, project updates)
• Reporting & Analytics
• Generate and distribute bi-weekly reports (e.g., SharePoint-based) detailing open claims and status
• Lead bi-weekly Teams meetings to review claims, focusing on overdue items and escalation needs
• Track claims KPIs including cycle time, aging, and resolution rates
• Prepare monthly Claims Integrated Business Planning (IBP) reporting and distribute to stakeholders
• Compile and analyze quarterly data, including Operational Claims Investigation (OCI) metrics and master OCIFinished goods (FG) and output trendsQC Data Entry Compliance by Site – Finished goods and raw materials at receiptCost impacts by site (e.g., MMCF dollars)Financial summaries and claims trends
• Develop executive-level reporting, including Board of Directors (BOD) presentationsSupporting analysis, graphs, and insights
• Support portfolio reporting (pipeline health, launch readiness, KPI tracking)
• Process & Data Management
• Maintain accurate records across claims and stage-gate systems
• Ensure data consistency across Planner, SharePoint, reporting tools, and tracking systems
• Support continuous improvement of stage-gate and claims processes
• Identify opportunities to streamline reporting, workflows, and communication

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Horticulture, Agriculture, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2–5+ years of experience in project coordination, claims administration, operations, or a product support role
• Experience in horticulture, agriculture, or consumer/retail products preferred
• Exposure to stage-gate processes and/or claims management systems is a strong plus
• Familiarity with project management or workflow tools
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong process orientation
• Ability to translate operational and technical data into actionable insight

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of horticulture or agricultural practices is beneficial