Product Management Specialist

Manager, Product Commercialization, FSOP/aRTD Short Term AssignmentThis is a 12-18 month contract. Onsite 5 days a week - with some flexibility. Contractor must have their own laptop. Not an IT position - just product manager with technical background.In this role, you will serve as the technical lead for commercialization activities, helping ensure successful execution across food service and aRTD categories. You'll work cross-functionally to navigate challenges, manage risk, and keep projects moving efficiently from development through launch.This assignment is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, managing complexity, and collaborating across multiple functions. It also offers strong exposure to system operations, manufacturing capabilities, and commercialization processes while building relationships across the business.In this role, you will:Manage commercialization activities across multiple categories and formats including dispensed (legacy, FCB, FUB), flavored syrups, Freestyle and aRTD including managing AIM (Authorized Independent Manufacturers and directed model business partners, each with distinct operational and technical requirements)Adapt technical documentation and launch support to meet customer or partner-specific needs while maintaining system standards and complianceCollaborate with external manufacturing facilities to review and assess production capabilities and coordinate plant trials (when necessary) to validate feasibility.Support onboarding new facilities into Company commercialization processes.Provide technical guidance and education to co-manufacturing partners on areas such as batching, kitting, mixing instructions, and production requirementsExercise technical judgment to determine appropriate levels of support, clarify ownership responsibilities, and ensure alignment between system expectations and partner execution capabilitiesPartner with cross-functional teams to resolve technical and operational gaps that arise during commercialization and launch executionSupport continuous improvement of processes, documentation, and ways of working across evolving business models and commercialization approachesKey ResponsibilitiesLead the commercialization of new products and reformulations of existing products. Function as technical project leader for all commercialization activities ensuring successful project completion.Develop and designs plant formulations and mixing instructions and validates batching capability. Maintenance of the KOMIX formulation system. (Comfortable working in data systems)Develops, designs and issues all technical and product information for the successful launch or new/reformulated products to the system including: formulations, mixing instructions, graphic numbers, SAP info, shelf life, ECCnet information and various other piece of infoProactively manages issues with on time delivery of ingredients from CPS and communication to project leads in Canada of any launch date risks.Act as scientific, technical or quality expert and consultant by responding to targeted questions from the field or other departments/business units and providing support to bottlers and customers.This includes acting as a resource for general information and acting as a consultant for other technical personnel in the Company.Provide support to product development to inform them of existing system capabilities and determine requirements for new product types where capability does not exist.Attend plant trial runs to ensure production capability.Responsible for packaging components in Picasso system and ensuring accuracyJob Requirements/Qualifications3 years of prior work experience in a food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods companyStrong ability to work on their own and take initiativeProven ability to think through the consequences of actions under consideration.Strong communication skills to influence, negotiate, seek consensus and provide recommendations, solutions and improvements to existing products and processes.Proven project managerProven ability to manage time well; handle multiple complex tasks at onceStrong capability to analyze conceptual informationEducational RequirementsBachelor's Degree / University Degree in Science or a related fieldCompetencies - Leader of SelfDevelop Self and OthersAct like an OwnerCollaborate with System, Customer and StakeholdersDrive InnovationInspire OthersTravel Requirements10%We're looking for someone who:Has experience in - or curiosity about - manufacturing capabilities and the system networkThrives working independently and taking initiativeBrings strong project management and prioritization skillsCommunicates confidently and collaborates effectively across teamsThinks analytically and proactively solves problemsCan balance technical precision with speed and business needsThis is a great opportunity for someone looking to broaden system knowledge, apply technical expertise in new ways, strengthen cross-functional partnerships, and gain deeper exposure to the NA foodservice and aRTD business. Travel may be required to Canada to various company plants & domestic travel.