Director, Commercialization

Kinder's • Walnut Creek, CA

2d

About The Position

The Director of Commercialization plays a pivotal role in bridging innovation and execution and turning product concepts into successful in-market launches. You will lead a high-performing team of project managers and cross-functional partners to ensure every new product or renovation moves seamlessly from development through production and into retail execution. This role requires a strategic and hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing long-term process improvements with day-to-day delivery. You’ll drive alignment, mitigate risks, and uphold Kinder’s standards for quality, cost, and speed, ensuring each launch reflects our relentless pursuit of flavor and excellence.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in commercialization, operations, or project management within CPG or food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success leading complex product launches from concept through retail execution.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, packaging, and supply chain processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple, fast-moving projects in a high-growth environment.
• Proficiency in project management tools; Wrike experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Engineering, or related field (MBA a plus).
• Passionate about food, flavor, and operational excellence.
• Strategic yet hands-on—able to balance big-picture thinking with flawless execution.
• Collaborative and influential leader who builds trust across teams and partners.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end commercialization process, ensuring successful product delivery from pilot to first production and distribution.
• Align cross-functional teams on feasibility, scope, and timing for all product launches and renovations.
• Oversee project plans in Wrike, clearly defining milestones, dependencies, and critical paths.
• Partner with Product Development and Supply Chain to validate formulations, packaging, and manufacturing capabilities before launch.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks—technical, operational, financial, or regulatory—and communicate proactive solutions to leadership.
• Provide consistent visibility to stakeholders through dashboards, reports, and readiness trackers.
• Lead, coach, and inspire a team of Project Managers and Commercialization Specialists to achieve executional excellence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration.
• Balance team capacity with Kinder’s innovation pipeline to optimize workload and efficiency.
• Partner with the Head of Project Management to evolve workflows, playbooks, and digital tools that support scalable success.
• Serve as the central connection point between Product Development, Brand, Sourcing, Operations, Planning, Quality, and Sales.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations to confirm plant readiness, raw material availability, and co-manufacturer timelines.
• Deliver clear, proactive communication to executive leadership on launch status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate and refine Kinder’s commercialization process to enhance visibility, speed, and cross-category scalability.
• Support digital transformation by maximizing Wrike and other tools for real-time collaboration and tracking.
• Partner with Finance and Operations to develop KPIs for commercialization success—focusing on cost, margin, and delivery performance.

Benefits

• We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave.
• Kinder’s benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees