3+ years of experience in leading new product launches and changes, preferably in CPG.
Experience with cross-functional teams in manufacturing environments.
Knowledge of the product development process.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Project management experience in food manufacturing is highly desired.
Process improvement experience is a plus.
Responsibilities
Manage commercialization of new products and changes by coordinating cross-functional teams.
Execute product launches according to the commercialization roadmap.
Plan and schedule project timelines for product launches.
Adjust timelines and priorities based on project needs.
Present reports on project progress and solutions to issues.
Proactively solve problems that arise during projects.
Maintain detailed commercialization schedules and high-level reports.
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid Family leave
Paid maternity leave
401(k) with Match
Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
Paid Holidays
Tuition assistance
Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
Full Job Description
Job Summary:
This person will lead commercialization for several customers across our business segments, ensuring operational and go-to-market excellence. Oversees all aspects of product commercialization from project award to launch. Responsible for the coordination of new items, changes to existing products, and project tracking.
Essential Functions of the Job:
Manage the commercialization of new products, product changes, and major cost savings, packaging and process change projects by coordinating the activities of a cross functional team, including R&D, Operations, Procurement, Graphics, Customer Service, Quality, and others.
Execute launches as indicated by the commercialization roadmap.
Plan and schedule project timelines for each product launch project.
Adjust timelines and team priorities to changing project needs as appropriate.
Present reports defining project progress, problems, and solutions.
Proactive problem solving when presented with project roadblocks.
Maintain product commercialization schedule including detailed executional trackers and high-level reporting.
Work with functional managers to ensure resources are assigned to implement product-commercialization road map. Helps team manage trade-offs when prioritization is required.
Ensure smooth and timely exchanges of information and clear understanding of priorities and expectations among commercialization team members.
Proactively communicate with management and sales leads regarding the commercialization status of products.
Work closely with R&D to define deliverables and manage the hand-off of new products from development to commercialization to sustaining status.
Respond to and support routine customer requests for information as directed by supervisor.
Liaise with customers to provide updates on timelines and project progress as appropriate.
Lead commercialization process improvements to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and speed to market.
Collaborates within a dynamic and experienced team of Commercialization Managers, reporting directly to the Director of Commercialization.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Qualifications:
3+ years' experience leading and managing projects related to new product launches and new product changes from planning through execution preferably within a CPG environment.
Experience working with cross-functional teams, including R & D, Operations, Procurement, Quality and Supply Chain, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge and experience in the product development process.
Excellent oral presentation and written communications skills.
Experience in project management in a food manufacturing setting highly desired.
Process improvement experience a plus.
Knowledge and Skills:
Ability to establish strong working relationships with all the key internal partners to ensure clear, consistent communication in both directions regarding the cross-functional team priorities, performance, input requirements, status, reporting, etc.
Strong attention to detail, organized and thorough with a desire for continuous improvement.
Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility, creative- problem-solving.
Must be highly accountable and with internal drive to accomplish goals
Additional Considerations:
Travel Expectation: Up to 10%.
Location: This position will at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
Work Environment: 95% of work is performed in an office environment; 5% of work may be done in a plant / manufacturing environment.
Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.
Featured Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid Family leave
Paid maternity leave
401(k) with Match
Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
Paid Holidays
Tuition assistance
Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
About SunOpta, Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is a leading global company focused on natural food, indredient sourcing, organic food, and specialty foods. The company specializes in sourcing, processing and packaging of natural and organic food products, integrated from seed through packaged products; with a focus on strategic vertically integrated business models. SunOpta's core product offerings are grain and fruit-based, and include organic ingredients, private label beverages, natural sweeteners and frozen fruits and vegetables. The company was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada.
