Manager Commercialization Process & Systems

The Manager, Commercialization Process & Systems is responsible for executing and enabling the company’s stage‑gate commercialization process across Co‑Manufacturing, Co‑Packing, and Private Label quotes. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Commercialization & Process Management, this role focuses on day‑to‑day commercialization execution, SharePoint‑based data governance, and implementation of standardized processes established by the Director.This position serves as a central execution and coordination hub—ensuring commercialization workflows, milestones, documentation, and project data are accurate, compliant, and consistently maintained. Acting as a key liaison between R&D, Sales, and Operations, the Manager owns commercialization systems, dashboards, and documentation standards while supporting process adoption, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment. This is a remote role; however, you must reside in the Chicagoland area or within 20 miles from one of our plant locations.Key ResponsibilitiesCommercialization Process ExecutionSupport execution of the full commercialization lifecycle by operationalizing stage‑gate requirements and defined standards Own day‑to‑day tracking of commercialization milestones, deliverables, and dependencies consistent application of stage‑gate criteria, documentation, and approvals Translate high‑level process direction into repeatable execution steps Proactively identify execution risks, data gaps, or timeline slippage and escalate with recommended actionsCross-Functional Coordination & LiaisonServe as the central point of coordination for commercialization data and documentation across R&D, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and OperationsEnsure assumptions, changes & decisions are documented, version-controlled, and traceableFacilitate alignment by reinforcing standardized commercialization workflows & communication protocolsCoordinate with external manufacturing partners as it relates to commercialization documentation and readinessSharePoint Data Management & GovernanceOwn SharePoint, or any future software models, as the system of record for commercialization projectsDefine and enforce data governance standards (naming conventions, required fields, approval flows, retention)Design and maintain role-based access, workflows, and automation to support stage-gate disciplineBuild and maintain dashboards that provide real-time visibility to project status, risks, and readinessPartner with IT to continuously improve SharePoint architecture, usability, scalability, and adoptionPerformance Tracking & Process ImplementationTrack and report commercialization KPIs, gate readiness, and execution health for leadership reviewsSupport implementation of process improvements, new tools, templates, and governance standardsHelp develop and facilitate post-launch reviews and ensure learnings are captured and embedded into updated processesDevelop and maintain commercialization training materials, reference guides, and documentation to support consistent adoptionQualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Food Science, Supply Chain, or a related fieldExperience: 5+ years of experience in commercialization, product development, or operations within the food or CPG industry. Experience supporting product launches using co‑manufacturing or external production partners preferredSkills:Strong project coordination and organizational skills with high attention to detail Ability to manage multiple timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables simultaneously Strong written and verbal communication skills Working knowledge of food manufacturing processes and commercialization workflows Comfort operating between strategic direction and tactical execution Experience owning and maintaining shared systems, documentation, or repositories Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and collaboration tools Experience working with or supporting SaaS‑based workflow or project management systems preferredThe pay range for this full-time, salaried position is $97,210-$145,814/year. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on company and individual performance.  We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed.  Base pay information is based on market location.  Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.