ResponsibilitiesCommercialization ManagerMassillon Ohio Commercialization Managers are the connective tissue between innovation and execution. Our role is responsible for delivering technical expertise, change management and stability to support the company's objectives of revenue, growth and profit. We act as a knowledge hub, focusing on "doing things right" - ensuring processes and projects run smoothly and meet standards. We are stewards of governance and supporting portfolio transitions, directly impacting operational excellence, customer satisfaction and the company's ability to compete and grow in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
The
Commercialization Manager leads commercialization initiatives while executing the functional responsibilities associated with new product development and product assortment management across a defined sales channel and customer account portfolio. Operating within a Center of Competence, this role ensures technical accuracy, robust processes, and seamless collaboration among Commercial, R&D, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Plant Operations.
In addition to executional excellence, this position carries product management responsibilities, including shaping product strategy, driving innovation, and partnering with commercial teams to sell new concepts and capabilities to key and top-tier customers. The Commercialization Manager is accountable for delivering product launches Right-On-Time-In-Full (ROTIF), achieving margin targets, and meeting or exceeding customer expectations. Key responsibilities include:
Product Management & Customer Innovation- Customer-Facing Innovation - Partner with Sales and Commercial Development to sell in new product concepts, formulations, and packaging innovations to top tier and strategic customers.
- Roadmap Alignment - Collaborate with R&D and Commercial Excellence to prioritize innovation pipelines based on customer needs, feasibility, and business impact.
- Market Feedback Loop - Incorporate customer insights and post-launch learning into continuous product improvement and next generation innovation efforts.
Project Ownership & Execution- Lead cross-functional commercialization teams for new product launches and reformulations
- New Food Development - from Execution through Post-Execution
- New Packaging - From Scoping through Post-Execution
- Maintain accountability for project timelines, cost adherence, and manufacturability.
- Coordinate with commercial Development Leads and Sales to ensure launch feasibility and readiness to support customer expectations
Part Management- Part set-up and data integrity - Create and maintain part records in systems, ensuring accurate specifications for raw materials, packaging films, corrugates, and finished goods.
- Cross-functional Coordination - Work closely with R&D, QA, Regulatory, Procurement, and Supply Chain to gather required data for part set-up.
- Compliance and Change Management - Execute change management processes for BOM updates, formula changes, and obsolete parts, ensuring proper approvals and documentation.
Stage Gate & Governance- Act as process steward for Stage Gate commercialization phases.
- Ensure gate documentation is accurate, approved, and archived within the product lifecycle system (PLM or equivalent).
- Provide KPI reporting on project status, gate adherence, and cycle time metrics.
Portfolio Support & Continuous Improvement- Collaborate with Lifecycle/Obsolescence Manager to execute transitions, reformulations, discontinuations with minimal disruption.
- Drive standardization of commercialization tools, templates, and playbooks
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of E2E commercialization processes and systems.
Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree in a Food Science, Engineering, Operations, or related field.
- 5 years of experience in Commercialization ,Product Development or Technical Project Management within consumer packaged goods (CPG) or food manufacturing industry
- Ability to manage both internal and external customers and to adapt and manage through change.
- Strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Strong project management skills and ability to juggle multiple projects and shifting priorities in an organized manner.
- Strong financial skills are essential to managing product cost understanding and P & L management expectations
