Project Manager - Food Product Commercialization

Job Description

Company Summary

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At Harvest Food Group (HFG), our mission is to create products that make a positive impact on the world. HFG is a private equity–backed company with a brand-new, state-of-the-art production facility in East Chicago, Indiana.

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Job Summary

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Harvest Food Group is a diversified frozen food company based in East Chicago, IN, specializing in frozen food manufacturing and the distribution of frozen vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and herbs. The Project Manager – Sales operations leads the execution of product commercialization initiatives across Harvest Food Group, including New Product Development (NPD), Customer launches and specifications, customer and product line extensions, product changes, packaging, productivity improvements, and manufacturing transitions. This role ensures products are successfully launched, coordinated, transitioned from concept to full-scale production while meeting quality, cost, and timeline objectives, and drives cross-functional alignment to connect business strategy, customer expectations, with operational execution in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.

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Responsibilities:

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• Leading cross-functional execution from concept through launch. This role will establish and maintain the overall project timeline
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• Develop detailed Gantt charts and ensure all project milestones are clearly defined and achieved.
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• Coordinate activities across departments, maintain project visibility, and hold teams accountable for deliverables to ensure projects progress according to plan.
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• Act as the primary point of contact for the customer and the sales team, managing external communications related to project status, timelines, and key decisions.
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• Align customer expectations with internal capabilities while ensuring clear communication across all stakeholders.
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• Lead external engagement activities, including coordination with packaging suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and other critical service providers required to successfully execute the project. These engagements will be conducted in close collaboration with the respective internal department owners (e.g., Procurement, Supply Chain, Maintenance, QA, Operations) to ensure technical alignment, supplier compliance, and effective project implementation.
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Please note, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future. Additionally, there is no relocation assistance.

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Requirements

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• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
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• Minimum 5+ years of previous experience in project management, product commercialization, manufacturing, and equipment automation - ideally food (frozen) packaging and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
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• Previous experience with data analytics and understanding capacity analysis
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• Black Belt (Six Sigma) and Lean Manufacturing desired
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• Proven ability to work independently and operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities and multiple stakeholders.
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• Experience with ERP systems, Gantt Charts, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other applications
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Benefits

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WHY JOIN US?

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• Direct Hire with full benefits, PTO and 401K Match
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• Play a key role in the launch of a next-generation facility
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• Work with a collaborative and innovation-driven team
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• Help deliver high-quality, safe, and delicious food products to consumers
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• Contribute to the future of food manufacturing through automation and sustainability
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