Commercialization Specialist

KLN ENTERPRISES INC • Perham, MN

7d • $45,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We’re now hiring a Commercialization Specialist for Tuffy’s Pet Foods, based in Perham, MN. The pet food market is extremely dynamic and competitive. At Tuffy’s Pet Foods, 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.

We operate in an extremely dynamic and competitive space. 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 within our branded portfolio. 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.

Requirements

• 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 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
• Knowledge of and experience in project management processes and methodologies
• Strong process, organizational, project management and time management skills
• Ability to identify project obstacles, proactively mitigate risks and escalate and resolve issues effectively
• Computer/Technical
• Proficiency in MS Office software – Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook
• Proficiency in MS Project or other Gantt chart based software.
• Ability to learn and navigate through company ERP system (IFS experience ideal)
• Communication
• Facilitation and presentation skills – large and small groups
• Strong inter-personnel skills to interact with many cross-functional teams to accomplish objectives
• Clear and effective communication with peers and management across the business and others with whom, the position interacts
• Ways of Working 
• Good organizational skills including the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Self-motivating and ability to work independently
• Excellent judgment and reasoning abilities 
• Ability to adapt to a high rate of change environment
• Company Interests
• Must possess the willingness to live the KLN Values, understand and articulate the KLN Mission and work diligently toward the KLN Vision
• An understanding of the love for pets and the importance of the pet/pet parent relationship 
• Urgency in responding to customers’ needs (both internal & external)
• Inherent traits such as initiative, high energy, creativity, teamwork and positive attitude

Responsibilities

• Project Management
• Utilize Tuffy’s ERP system (IFS) to manage project workflow within the new product process
• Drive projects to timely completion through supporting team collaboration, ensuring accuracy of system data and clearly communicating changing timelines and priorities
• Lead/participate in project meetings
• 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 processes
• Support production trials and commissioning runs as needed
• Meet with key stakeholders to evaluate project briefs, ensuring projects align with site capabilities
• Support and/or lead other aspects of commercialization as needed including (but not limited to):
• Data management
• Stage-gate business governance
• PM support for any given functional area
• Represent the company in a positive and professional manner
• Travel between Perham (KLN / Tuffy’s / Kenny’s) and Delano (Tuffy’s Treats) as required
• 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

Benefits

• Health, Dental, & Vision
• Wellness program discounts - up to $150 discounted towards health insurance monthly
• 80 Hours of PTO Accrued in First Year of Employment
• 7 Paid Holidays
• KLN Clinic - Free doctor visits & more than 300 free prescriptions
• 401k Match Opportunity
• Opportunity to meet with our onsite financial advisors
• $10,000 Forgivable Home Grant Program
• Tuition Assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level