Director of CommercializationLocation: Remote US
Reports to: VP of Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Department: Operations
Travel Requirement: 40-60%
Job Purpose SummaryWe are currently seeking a Director of Commercialization to lead how Good Culture manufactures its next generation of products - turning R&D concepts into full-scale production across our network of dedicated and co-manufacturing partner facilities. This is a hands-on leadership role for a proven dairy manufacturing leader - someone who has come up through plant engineering and operations, brings real plant-floor credibility to every conversation, and is ready to build and lead the teams that make new products real.
You will own the end-to-end commercialization of new products and innovation, lead our Engineering and Continuous Improvement teams, spec equipment, and oversee capital installations and improvement projects - while partnering with R&D to pressure-test what is feasible, where, and with whom. As Good Culture invests in new capacity, technology, and innovation on its way toward $1B+, you will build the teams and systems that let us launch new products faster and run our network better - bridging strategy and execution on the work that matters most.
Essential Job Responsibilities - Own end-to-end commercialization of new products and innovation - from R&D handoff and feasibility through line trials, scale-up, and full production launch across dedicated and co-manufacturing facilities.
- Lead and develop Good Culture's Engineering and Continuous Improvement teams, setting priorities, building capability, and holding the group accountable to standards and timelines.
- Spec new equipment and lead capital installation and improvement projects end-to-end, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and to standard.
- Lead the commissioning of new production lines and facilities in support of innovation and network growth.
- Drive continuous improvement across the network - yield, waste, OEE, and cost - building repeatable systems rather than one-off fixes.
- Partner closely with R&D to pressure-test what is feasible, where, and with whom, bringing plant-floor reality into product development decisions early.
- Vet prospective facilities and co-manufacturing partners; build strong, trust-based relationships and hold the line on technical standards and execution.
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D to move projects and product launches forward on schedule.
- Own the capital and project budget for commercialization, engineering, and continuous improvement work, and report progress to executive leadership.
- Help shape where and how manufacturing and processing work happens across the network as Good Culture scales toward $1B+.
Job Qualifications - Must have hands-on dairy processing experience with real time spent on the plant floor - cottage cheese and cultured dairy experience strongly preferred, broader cheese-making experience considered; general CPG manufacturing background without dairy processing will not meet the bar.
- 10+ years of progressive plant engineering, manufacturing, and continuous improvement experience, including people leadership.
- Proven track record commercializing new products - taking innovation from concept through line trials and into full-scale production.
- Experience leading Engineering and/or Continuous Improvement teams, with strong command of capital planning, equipment specification, and line or facility commissioning.
- Experience working with (or inside) co-manufacturers; able to drive results through influence and rapport, not just direct authority.
- Thrives in a lean, scrappy, fast-moving environment without big-company infrastructure, and can build process and rigor where none exists yet.
- Strong people leader - builds capable teams, gives direct feedback, handles tension productively, and builds rapport quickly.
- Based in the Chicago area or broader Midwest, with the ability to travel 40-60% of the time.
- Degree in engineering, food science, or dairy science is a plus - but hands-on operators who came up through the ranks are equally welcome.
