Commercialization Specialist

Kenny’s Candy & Confections – Perham, MN

Our Coolest Benefit - Profit Sharing!

In our most recent fiscal year, KLN Family Brands paid out over $6 million in profit-sharing to our employees!!!

Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

The Opportunity

We’re now hiring a Commercialization Specialist for Kenny’s Candy & Confections, based in Perham, MN. The CPG market is extremely dynamic and competitive. At Kenny’s Candy & Confections, we heavily rely on new product development to grow our own brands and support the customers whose brands we produce alongside our own. Our continued growth and success is reliant upon our ability to efficiently launch products that meet quality expectations for our retailers, customers, and consumers of our products. If you’ve been looking for a way to make a real impact and help us improve and grow, then keep reading. You may have just stumbled upon the perfect role!

What We Are Looking For

In order to meet business objectives, the Commercialization Specialist is responsible for the timely completion of new product development projects as well as supporting changes to existing products. This position serves as project lead for the cross-functional teams while providing support/clarification for changes to existing products/packaging by leading team meetings, facilitating issue resolution, and supporting collaboration efforts across the business. The work of the Commercialization Specialist is vital in order to ensure predictable, consistent, and successful outcomes for every project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Project Management

• Utilize Kenny’s systems to manage project workflow within the new product process
• Provide support to the cross functional team to drive each project to timely completion.
• Lead and/or participate in project meetings (project execution & development)
• Ensure key project info/documentation is captured according to standard process (i.e. pricing, dielines, formula, timelines, etc…)
• Provide local SME support for new product and change management process
• Meet with ingredient/packaging suppliers as needed to provide direction in support of projects/initiatives

2. Support and/or lead other aspects of commercialization as needed including (but not limited to):

• Data management
• Stage-gate business governance
• Packaging development management
• PM support for any given functional area

3. Other

• Represent the company in a positive and professional manner
• Travel to industry events and suppliers as needed
• Support internal team (i.e. Sales, R&D, Operations, Finance) to improve overall operational effectiveness on an as-needed basis.
• Other duties as assigned in order to accomplish business and team goals

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field such as Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Mathematics, or Business preferred. (Consideration given for relevant work experience)

Experience and Skills Required

Experience in and/or exposure to a manufacturing environment is preferred.

One to three years of recent experience leading cross-functional projects and demonstrating:

• Project Management
  1. Knowledge of and experience in project management processes and methodologies
  2. Strong process, organizational, project management and time management skills
  3. Ability to identify project obstacles, proactively mitigate risks and escalate and resolve issues effectively
• Computer/Technical
  1. Proficiency in MS Office software – Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook
  2. Proficiency in MS Project or other Gantt chart-based software.
  3. Ability to learn and navigate through company ERP system (IFS experience ideal)
• Communication
  1. Facilitation and presentation skills – large and small groups
  2. Strong inter-personnel skills to interact with many cross-functional teams to accomplish objectives
  3. Clear and effective communication with peers and management across the business and others with whom, the position interacts
• Ways of Working 

1. Good organizational skills including the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
2. Self-motivating and ability to work independently
3. Excellent judgment and reasoning abilities 
4. Ability to adapt to a high rate of change environment

• Company Interests
  1. Must possess the willingness to live the KLN Values, understand and articulate the KLN Mission and work diligently toward the KLN Vision
  2. Urgency in responding to customers’ needs (both internal & external)
  3. Inherent traits such as initiative, high energy, creativity, teamwork and positive attitude