Commercialization Manager

MUST HAVE

• 5+ years in product management - preference commercialization or similar roles
• food or bev industry preferred

POSITION SUMMARY

Working independently, the Product Manager is responsible for the product portfolio lifecycle management across Coffee, Tea, and Extracts.

This position is responsible for optimizing our product portfolio, defining white space opportunities and the product briefs, and product demonstration to our customers.

This position serves as a deployable asset to lead product demonstrations and product applications. This position reports to the Director of Product Innovation and Optimization and has no direct reports.

However, the Product Manager may lead cross-functional project teams as required.

Responsibilities / Duties :

Primary Job Functions :

Ø Product Portfolio Lifecycle Management

Ø Technical Support

Ø Product Change Request Process owner

Ø Product Feasibility and Design Assessment

Ø Additional tasks or projects outside core responsibilities

Key Responsibilities :

Product Portfolio Management

• Review New Product Proposals and recommend best-fit products or provide additional development parameters for new product design
• Activate / Deactivate SKUs in our ERP system
• Create portfolio tools and reports that assist Sales in product knowledge
• Create product briefs
• Optimize product portfolio to improve operational efficiency and move with market opportunities
• Align products and equipment recommendations as needed

Product Application Technical Support

• Stay on top of current and future food / culinary trends and be able to implement in the form of new applications or product solutions that would apply to portfolio products
• Translate customer need states to internal stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Conduct feasibility studies on products in new and existing equipment solutions or customer current operational procedures.
• Develop and maintain accurate records related to the product applications to be able to utilize across channels.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams to drive strategic initiatives.
• Lead technical support to customers seeking product information and advice as it pertains to product use.
• Travel with Sales as product expert on customer calls; work with R&D, Culinary, Restaurant Operations, etc. on site.
• Create product training materials and concept presentation materials as needed.

Additional tasks or projects outside core responsibility

• Partner with sales teams to build a strong project pipeline by identifying and shaping new opportunities.
• Follow and share market intelligence and industry trends to contribute to solution development.
• Work cross-functionally with Product Development, Commodities, Global Sourcing, Regulatory / Compliance, Insights, Marketing, and Operations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree plus 5+ years professional experience in product or project management, product development, quality, operations and / or sourcing.
• Experience and track record in project planning to include : planning project budgets and all project financials; establishing realistic project timelines;

creating Work Breakdown Structures; stakeholder management; and risk management and mitigation

• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Proven knowledge of and experience with beverage formulation.
• Strong sensory skills.
• Strong business acumen including decision making and strategic thinking.
• Combination of strong analytical skills and creative thinking.
• Must have excellent PC computer skills and ability to manage data electronically.
• Self-motivated, outgoing, self-starter.
• Project Management skills : ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Must be hard working, reliable and accurate, and able to produce quality work at high workload.
• Must be willing to travel up to 30%.
1 day ago