Commercialization Manager

Job Summary

The Commercialization Manager manages 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. This role partners across Operations, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Scheduling, Procurement, R&D, Sales, Finance, Legal, Packaging, Regulatory, customers, and plant teams to ensure project milestones, customer expectations, trial readiness, document accuracy, and launch execution are managed effectively. The position identifies risks, escalates issues, evaluates alternative process, product, and business solutions, and supports continuous improvement through post-trial discussions and 30-60-90 day commercialization reviews. This is a hybrid role; you will 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.

Key Responsibilities

Commercialization & Project Management 

• Manage product commercialization's 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. 

Plant Trials, Customer Alignment & Documentation 

• 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. 

Cross-Functional Execution & Continuous Improvement 

• 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. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent food industry experience preferred.
• Certifications: Project management, continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or related certification preferred. 
• Experience:
  • 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. 
• Technical 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. 
• Skills:
  • 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.

The information provided in this document provides an overview of the most common duties, qualifications, and demands of the position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of the role, and the duties, qualifications, and demands of the position are subject to change without notice. The expectations provided here may also be modified if an employee with a disability could effectively meet the expectations for the role with reasonable accommodation.

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.  We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.  This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed.  Base pay information is based on market location.  

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