Job description
Our Director of Commercialization will lead the development and implementation of an end-to-end stage gate process for launching new products, from concept development to market introduction while also identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong project management skills, a deep understanding of the food industry, and a keen eye for optimizing resources and reducing costs. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, supply chain, finance, and quality assurance, to ensure that products are launched on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory standards, while also contributing to the company’s bottom line through cost-saving projects. This position reports to the VP of Sourcing & Vendor Relations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Product Commercialization: Implement and oversee a streamlined commercialization process for new products, ensuring alignment with business goals, launch timing and market demands.
- Project Management: Develop and manage detailed project timelines, budgets, and resource plans to ensure successful and timely product launches.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between R&D, marketing, supply chain, finance and other departments to ensure seamless execution of product development and launch strategies.
- Communication: Effectively lead team communications including meeting agendas, minutes, detailed project timelines, decision logs, tasks lists, and risk analyses/mitigation strategies. Ensure key stakeholders and senior leadership are informed and in alignment on the objectives, status, risks, and mitigation plans associated with the workstreams.
- Strategic focus: Operate in a dynamic environment, managing multiple projects, ensuring that every stage is meticulously planned and that projects remain on schedule. Champion the incorporation of parallel workstreams whenever possible, to expedite projects and reduce overall timelines.
- Collaborate on Cost Savings and Efficiency Improvements: Work with cross-functional teams, including procurement, manufacturing, fulfillment and finance, to implement process improvements that reduce costs without compromising product quality.
- Develop subject matter expertise to become a great partner to all teams throughout the launch process. Positively motivate and hold teams accountable for hitting their deliverables and deadlines.
Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in product management, commercialization, or a similar role, preferably within the food industry, e-commerce or startup companies. Experience with cost-saving projects or process improvement is highly desirable.
- Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, timelines, and budgets. Experience implementing project management systems a plus (Monday, Asana, Jira, etc.).
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze market data, consumer trends, financial reports, and cost structures to inform decision-making. Ability to multitask and adhere to deadlines while staying highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Food Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with food safety regulations, quality standards, and supply chain processes.
- Financial Acumen: Experience with budget management, cost control, and financial analysis, including the ability to identify and implement cost-saving measures.
Salary: $140,000 annually
Location: Remote or Hybrid (for candidates in the Salt Lake City area)
Position Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Paid time off (flexible)
- Paid holidays
- Insurance: Health, dental & vision
- 401(k) + Company match
- Free product allowance
