Commercialization Specialist

LEAHY-IFP•Glenview, IL

4d•$67,000 - $77,000•Onsite

About The Position

Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs. Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long‑term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company’s dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Operations, or related field.
2–4 years of experience in commercialization, product development, manufacturing operations, or related fields.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint).
Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks
Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment
Capable of safely lifting up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety
Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation.
Work environment may involve exposure to inclement weather.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.
Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Responsibilities

Guide commercialization efforts for new products and packaging, ensuring launch readiness and excellence.
Manage day‑to‑day execution of assigned commercialization projects, ensuring alignment with timelines, deliverables, and customer expectations.
Facilitate cross‑functional communication across R&D, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, and Technical Services.
Organize project documents, checklists, timelines, and shared folders in approved platforms.
Lead meetings and required working sessions for product development and commercialization activities.
Ensure adherence to commercialization best practices and support ongoing improvements to internal processes.
Track and maintain commercialization pipeline status, flagging risks or delays to team.
Coordinate and support execution of plant trials or pilot runs at manufacturing facilities.
Partner with sales teams to support customer communication and accurate project updates.
Complete and submit commercial reports on time.
Champion Finlays’ purpose and values, develop team capabilities and processes and partner across the organization to deliver dependent projects.
Manage expenses and travel budget
Other duties as assigned