Product Commercialization Manager

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Imagine...working for a company that knows that its people are the key to its success in the marketplace. A company in which achieving extraordinary results while having stimulating work experience are part of the same process.

We cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture. We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, likes to be challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference.

We are seeking a Product Commercialization Manager to join our team. This role can be based at either our Reno, Nevada or Phoenix, Arizona facility.

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Product Commercialization & Change Management, this role leads the commercialization of food and packaging prototypes in the production facilities through the collaboration of cross-functional teams. This role may also lead or support product changes, optimization initiatives or processes based on business needs. The Product Commercialization Manager ensures project success with effective and timely communication internally (and with customers/suppliers as appropriate) with strict adherence to project timelines, project management workstreams and handoff points.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Subject matter expert (SME) for the commercialization process, tools, software and all things commercialization.
• Provide and implement best practices, process improvements as needed related to Commercialization and or Project Management.
• Collaborate and communicate daily with cross-functional teams consisting of Sales, Operations, I&D, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Planning, Finance, Logistics, Warehouse and Customer Service to ensure commercialization success.
• Schedule and lead weekly/biweekly/monthly meetings as necessary to ensure team alignment with all active commercialization projects.
• Develop, lead and manage project timeline once handoff from I&D has occurred.
• Ensure project is on track and department owners’ complete tasks.
• Elevate issues that arise from the project timeline as needed.
• Co-Lead pilot/plant trials through strong cross-functional collaboration with all departments.
• Facilitate and lead pre-pilot/plant trial discussions with key stakeholders.
• Work with appropriate departments to ensure documentation requirements.
• Communicate project status and deliverables as required.
• Follow-up on plant readiness and receipt of components prior to pilot/plant trial.
• Work with FSQA to develop appropriate online conformance tests for QA technicians.
• Facilitate post pilot/plant trial discussions with key stakeholders to review results, determine next steps, and captures lessons learned prior to scale-up/first full production.
• Co-Lead scale-up/first full production of products.
• Continue leading commercialization process through the first 5 production runs.
• Work with Quality Assurance to review all data collected during the first 5 production runs. Finalize MPS and file accordingly.
• Collaborate with the FSQA to finalize Finished Goods Specification and have it filed accordingly.
• After the first 5 production runs, facilitate and lead lessons learned review, capture findings, and implement as continuous improvement to the commercialization process.
• Co-lead with cross functional team for ERP/New Item setup in Sage X3. Project Manage tasks and maintain timeline and completeness.
• Support sales team as interface between the company and customer during commercialization phase.
• Utilize technical and project management skillset to drive continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Lead and guide change projects with team members to ensure proper implementation and launch through development of project specific milestones (applicable site documents, boms updates, samples, labels, etc.).
• Identify and lead process improvements for the organization based on business needs. Support new business opportunities, new building sites, new or improved equipment capabilities, and innovation opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from four-year College or University in Food Science and at least three years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have project management experience and USDA/FDA Regulatory compliance experience is preferred.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and projects with sometimes shifting priorities in an organized manner.
• Demonstrate a high degree of competency in a production environment, i.e., packaging equipment, food processing, quality assurance, regulatory, and nutritional requirements.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to drive strategic direction.
• Time management skills, especially familiarity with calendar management and goal setting.
• Leadership qualities, such as motivation techniques and conflict-management
• Teamwork and organizational skills, strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
• Exceptional professionalism.
• Use of a desktop or laptop computer is required using programs to include Microsoft Office and PDF Publishing.
• Sage ERP X3 and Genesis Nutritional Software experience highly preferred.
• Must be able to travel up to 30%.

Benefits:

SK Food Group provides competitive salaries and a wide variety of benefits including programs that provide for your health and welfare, help you prepare for retirement and truly enable you to balance your work and family life.

• Robust Health & Welfare Benefits Package
• 401k Retirement Plan with company match
• Associate Bonus Programs
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health & Dependent Care Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Scholarship Program
• Educational Tuition Assistance
• DailyPay – Access Earned Pay Sooner

Established in 1943, the SK Food Group is a leader in the food manufacturing and wholesale food sales industry. We produce a complete line of products for many different market segments including retail, convenience stores, vending and the transportation industry. In addition, we pride ourselves on the sub-contract manufacturing and private labeling capabilities our company offers to customers throughout the United States. Please visit for more information.