Commercialization Manager - Ice Cream

BENEFITS:

We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Commercialization Manager, Ice Cream is responsible for owning the end-to-end commercialization process for new customer and product launches within the ice cream manufacturing business. This role serves as the primary connector between Sales, Customer Service, R&D, QA, Procurement, Finance, Demand Planning, Operations, and customers to ensure opportunities are transitioned into clear, executable launch plans. Unlike a traditional sales role, this position focuses less on transactional selling and more on customer onboarding, launch readiness, project execution, cross-functional accountability, and successful transition from customer commitment through first production and post-launch handoff. This role leverages strong project management, communication, problem-solving, and customer-facing skills to support scalable growth of the ice cream business.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Purpose:

• Own commercialization for new ice cream customers, products, packaging formats, and SKU launches from commitment through first production and post-launch handoff.
• Translate customer requirements, timelines, risks, and deliverables into clear action plans for Sales, Customer Service, R&D, QA, Procurement, Operations, Demand Planning, and Finance.
• Serve as the central project owner for launch readiness, cross-functional accountability, and alignment between customer expectations and plant execution.

Commercialization & Project Execution:

• Lead commercialization projects, launch meetings, stage-gate trackers, timelines, milestones, and action-item ownership.
• Coordinate trials, packaging and artwork readiness, specifications, documentation, ingredient and packaging availability, costing inputs, production readiness, and customer updates.
• Monitor progress, mitigate launch risks, escalate roadblocks, and keep projects on time and within scope.

Customer & Cross-Functional Support:

• Serve as a key point of contact during onboarding, commercialization, trials, first production, and transition to routine execution.
• Partner with Sales, Business Development, Customer Service, R&D, QA, Procurement, Demand Planning, Finance, and Operations to define expectations, resolve issues, and improve the customer experience.

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

• Provide regular updates to leadership on launch status, readiness, project risks, resource needs, and key milestones.
• Develop and improve tools, templates, stage-gate processes, trackers, and best practices for scalable ice cream commercialization.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Food Science, Engineering, Project Management, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• 3–7 years of experience in food commercialization, project management, customer onboarding, food manufacturing, or sales support. Ice cream or CPG experience preferred.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects, product launches, customer initiatives, manufacturing start-up activities, or contract manufacturing support preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong project management, organization, communication, documentation, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple launches, priorities, timelines, risks, and changing business needs.
• Ability to build relationships and drive accountability across commercial, technical, operations, quality, procurement, finance, demand planning, and customer service teams.
• Analytical problem-solver with sound decision-making, risk management, reporting, and customer-facing capabilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing plant environment.
• Ability to walk production areas and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to use stairs and ladders as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Subject to office and plant conditions.
• Exposure to production noise, cold rooms, freezer areas, and moving equipment.
• Occasional indoor and outdoor environmental exposure based on business needs.

If you’re excited about this opportunity, we invite you to apply by visiting our website at www.idahomilkproducts.com