Manager Commercialization Process & Systems

Role Description

The Manager, Commercialization Process & Systems is responsible for executing and enabling the company’s stage-gate commercialization process across Co-Manufacturing, Co-Packing, and Private Label quotes. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Commercialization & Process Management, this role focuses on day-to-day commercialization execution, SharePoint-based data governance, and implementation of standardized processes established by the Director.

This position serves as a central execution and coordination hub—ensuring commercialization workflows, milestones, documentation, and project data are accurate, compliant, and consistently maintained. Acting as a key liaison between R&D, Sales, and Operations, the Manager owns commercialization systems, dashboards, and documentation standards while supporting process adoption, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

This is a remote role; however, you must reside in the Chicagoland area or within 20 miles from one of our plant locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercialization Process Execution
  • Support execution of the full commercialization lifecycle by operationalizing stage-gate requirements and defined standards.
  • Own day-to-day tracking of commercialization milestones, deliverables, and dependencies consistent application of stage-gate criteria, documentation, and approvals.
  • Translate high-level process direction into repeatable execution steps.
  • Proactively identify execution risks, data gaps, or timeline slippage and escalate with recommended actions.
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Liaison
  • Serve as the central point of coordination for commercialization data and documentation across R&D, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations.
  • Ensure assumptions, changes & decisions are documented, version-controlled, and traceable.
  • Facilitate alignment by reinforcing standardized commercialization workflows & communication protocols.
  • Coordinate with external manufacturing partners as it relates to commercialization documentation and readiness.
• SharePoint Data Management & Governance
  • Own SharePoint, or any future software models, as the system of record for commercialization projects.
  • Define and enforce data governance standards (naming conventions, required fields, approval flows, retention).
  • Design and maintain role-based access, workflows, and automation to support stage-gate discipline.
  • Build and maintain dashboards that provide real-time visibility to project status, risks, and readiness.
  • Partner with IT to continuously improve SharePoint architecture, usability, scalability, and adoption.
• Performance Tracking & Process Implementation
  • Track and report commercialization KPIs, gate readiness, and execution health for leadership reviews.
  • Support implementation of process improvements, new tools, templates, and governance standards.
  • Help develop and facilitate post-launch reviews and ensure learnings are captured and embedded into updated processes.
  • Develop and maintain commercialization training materials, reference guides, and documentation to support consistent adoption.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Food Science, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in commercialization, product development, or operations within the food or CPG industry. Experience supporting product launches using co-manufacturing or external production partners preferred.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of food manufacturing processes and commercialization workflows.
• Comfort operating between strategic direction and tactical execution.
• Experience owning and maintaining shared systems, documentation, or repositories.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and collaboration tools.
• Experience working with or supporting SaaS-based workflow or project management systems preferred.

Requirements

• The pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $97,210-$145,814/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.

Company Description

Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.