Category Manager

At Utz, we're passionate about creating crave-worthy snacks that consumers love. For more than 100 years, we've built iconic brands including Utz®, Zapp's®, Boulder Canyon®, and On The Border®, all while staying true to our entrepreneurial spirit and family-inspired values. We’re looking for a highly motivated Associate Commercialization Manager to join our Commercialization team. If you're energized by leading projects, solving complex challenges, collaborating across functions, and seeing your work come to life on the production floor, this is the opportunity for you. The Associate Commercialization Manager owns commercialization and project management delivery for assigned projects focused on Network Moves (transitioning production between internal manufacturing plants and co-manufacturers), qualification of internal plants, line installation projects, and Value Creation Projects (VC). These initiatives directly support the company's manufacturing network strategy and cost savings goals. The Associate Commercialization Manager drives discrete projects and workstreams end-to-end, partnering closely with Commercialization Managers, Sr. Managers, and cross-functional teams across plant operations, quality, engineering, procurement, and finance to deliver results on time and within scope. What You'll Do: Apply sound project management techniques and workflow processes to execute assigned projects and workstreams Lead Network Move projects, coordinating the transition of production between internal manufacturing plants and co-manufacturers, including timeline management, documentation, and stakeholder alignment Lead qualification of internal plants for new products, formulas, packaging, or processes, including trial coordination, documentation, and follow-through on corrective actions Lead line installation projects, aligning timing and information flow across engineering, plant operations, and equipment suppliers Lead execution of Value Creation Projects (VC), tracking cost savings milestones and partnering with finance and plant teams to deliver results Build project plans and timelines using MS Project and WBS structures to outline objectives, timing, risks, and risk mitigation planning Communicate project status, risks, and roadblocks to project stakeholders and leadership, escalating issues as needed Maintain project tracking tools and documentation (e.g., Smartsheet, status reports, trackers) Partner with Commercialization Managers and Sr. Managers on cross-functional initiatives, building subject-matter expertise in commercialization project management Identify and bring forward process improvement opportunities to Manager/Sr. Manager Other duties as assigned What You’ll Bring: Education Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, food science, marketing or other related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience 1-3 years of experience in project coordination, project management, manufacturing, or a related field; relevant internship or co-op experience in CPG or manufacturing will be considered. Experience with or exposure to commercialization of food or consumer products is a plus. Skills Proficient with Microsoft Office products and MS Project. Ability to organize data into graphs, presentations, and charts. Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet, SpecRight, or Power BI is a plus. Certifications & Licenses Formal certification in Project Management (from PMI or equivalent Project Management Association) is a plus. External Recruitment Process: Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started. Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours. Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture. Why Utz? We believe in taking care of our people. Our benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision plans Employer-matched 401(k) and profit sharing Wellness resources, support programs, onsite gym and healthcare center Career growth opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment A culture built on innovation, teamwork, and recognition Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Location(s) , United States As part of our obligations, we have developed an Aff… ??? #J-18808-Ljbffr