Commercialization Project Manager

Job Title: Commercialization Project Manager

Reports to:  VP of Sales Operations

Location: Must reside in Utah, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Idaho, Ohio, Kentucky, or Texas

The Commercialization Project Manager’s primary role is to lead the execution of projects for new customers and products through the Thrive Freeze Dry stage gate process.  This person acts cross functionally to drive on time and on budget product launches critical to the business success of the company.  This critical role bridges the gap between product development (Sales, R&D) and Operations (ongoing production), ensuring successful commercial deployment across the supply chain functions and stakeholders.

Essential Functions Include: 

• Drive the development and execution of commercialization projects from concept to market launch
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Thrive Stage Gate Process
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously from concept to delivery
• Create and maintain detailed project timelines, and budgets for commercialization initiatives
• Identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and resource requirements
• Track project milestones and KPIs, providing regular status updates to stakeholders
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams including Sales, R&D, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and Customer Service
• Facilitate effective communication between departments to ensure alignment on commercialization objectives
• Identify and communicate risks and issues with appropriate teams while having a POV on recommended solutions
• Help continuously improve the commercialization processes and best practices, and alignment across the PMO organization
• Create and maintain launch readiness criteria and checklists
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications Include: 

• The qualified individual will possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Project Managements, business, marketing, or similarly situated degree or equivalent experience. MPP or similar certification is a plus
• 3 years' experience in Project Management with experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods manufacturing industry a plus
• Experience with Retail project management and EDI portals a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite products. Must be confident, a strong problem solver, and work well under pressure. 
• Experience with Smartsheet is a plus
• Must have proven interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and written, and ability to communicate with all levels of the organization. 
• Must be able to engage with individuals inside and outside of the organization and exercise sound judgement. 
• An ability to be resourceful, insightful and possessing strong analysis skills, strong project management skills, ability to build and maintain strong business relationships, excellent written and oral communication skills, and a desire to work hard, have fun, and embrace accountability.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform the following functions with or without accommodations:

• Consistent and reliable attendance
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at time