Project Commercialization Manager

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

COMMENTS: This job description reflects assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

SUMMARY: The Project Commercialization Manager is an integral part of the cross-functional team and is responsible for leading the process of bringing new products or product changes to market, while ensuring adherence to the Stage Gate process. This position may support various business segments across the Mizkan portfolio, including Signature Brands, Private Brand and/or Food Service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the Commercialization process for various types of projects, as assigned:
• Innovation and Line Extensions
• Renovation and/or Quality Improvement
• Packaging – new, change to existing, label changes
• Cost Savings initiatives
• Other Business Continuity, e.g. alternate vendor qualifications
• Develop comprehensive project plans and timelines with inputs from the cross-functional team, understanding interdependencies, implications/risks, and clarity of key milestones/critical path. Seeks to understand the activities of the various functions, asking questions to drive clarity in the project approach/timeline.
• Schedule and lead regular Commercialization meetings and/or project-specific meetings as needed, supporting the Project Owner to ensure communication and drive collaboration across functions including Marketing, R&D, Procurement, Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, etc., to ensure activities/actions are on track to deliver projects on time and with excellence. Frequency/timing of meetings is dependent on the needs of the brand/business and/or complexity of the project. Provide recaps of meetings on a timely basis.
• Monitor the progress of project action items, completed tasks, etc. from development through project completion, making tweaks to the timeline and documenting shifts/changes and highlighting constraints and risks to timing as needed.
• Prepare/submit proper forms and track status to facilitate system/spec set-ups.
• Facilitate the Stage Gate process to ensure that projects are presented for gate moves, scope updates, etc., at the appropriate time and with the proper requirements. Collaborate on the monthly agenda with project owners and business leaders.
• Provide status reports on a regular basis for each project, raising key issues to the Brand Manager or Project Owner as well as the Workstream Portfolio Manager on risks and needs.
• Drive/support business process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiencies within Commercialization/Stage Gate processes as well as interdepartmentally.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS/BA in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience within a CPG environment, with 3+ years in proven project management expertise.
• Food industry experience is preferable but not required.
• Prior experience in manufacturing and/or R&D is preferable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.
• Must possess demonstrated ability in managing multiple projects within a specified budget and timeline.
• Ability to work effectively with all functional areas at all levels is essential.
• PMP certification preferable but not required.
• BOM structure, ERP (e.g. D365/SAP) and GS1 basic knowledge is beneficial.
• Computer literacy is required, including MS Office (including PPT, Teams) and Smartsheet/MS Project or similar project management software.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $118,900 to $164,400.

Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.