Senior Commercialization Project Manager

Role Description

Customer-facing commercialization leader leveraging supply chain and project management expertise to drive cost avoidance, lead cross‑functional execution, accelerate product commercialization, and enhance customer trust in Ventura as a reliable, strategic supply partner. Provide proactive supply chain assessments focused on driving efficiencies. Internal specialized translator, communicator and educator of national account (customers) needs to Ventura supply chain by understanding plant operations, capacity, capabilities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive Speed to Market:
  • Act as a critical team member supporting the Sales Project Commercialization System (PCS).
  • Help accelerate project delivery and provide guidance on complex initiatives.
  • Drive speed-to-market execution excellence to enhance and improve the customer experience.
  • Contribute as a center of excellence to execute projects and deliver optimal outcomes.
  • Participate in monthly PCS review meetings, pre-production handoff discussions, and customer-facing calls.
• Center of Excellence Resource:
  • Provide subject matter expertise for the Sales team across Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
• Forecasting and Inventory Management:
  • Provide expert oversight and support within the forecasting and inventory planning process.
  • Support the Sales Manager with informed recommendations based on demand trends, supply constraints, and customer requirements.
  • Coordinate cross-functional efforts to manage the depletion of raw materials and finished goods associated with discontinued SKUs.
• Limited Time Offer (LTO) Inventory Management:
  • Provide subject-matter expertise in inventory planning for LTO customer commitments.
  • Coordinate ramp-up planning and demand alignment with Operations, Demand & Supply Chain Planning teams.
• Lead Cost Savings Opportunities:
  • Proactively identify, communicate, and help lead cost savings opportunities.
• Crisis Management Support:
  • Proactively communicate with Sales and customers regarding anticipated disruptions or significant supply issues.
  • Lead overall crisis management communications for complex or high-impact supply situations.
  • Present updates during monthly team meetings on process or system enhancements.
• Customer Account Support & Advocacy:
  • Ensure continuity for customers with communication, project execution, and overall support during transition periods.
  • Act as the internal advocate and voice of the customer in cross-functional project discussions.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to implement process improvements that support customer success.
• Additional Responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years experience in sales, marketing, Supply Chain, Project Management, or customer service capacity.
• Experience preferably in food service/retail foodservice industry.

Requirements

• Excellent written and oral communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), CRM applications (Salesforce), and other business systems.
• Strong time management, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, and adaptable work ethic.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong decision-making skills to meet deadlines and achieve successful results.

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees.
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met).
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays.
• Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs.
• Salary Base Range of $95,234.65 - $148,795.48.
• Annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions).

Company Description

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and create consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.