Manager, Project Commercialization

Mizkan America • Schaumburg, IL

9d • $121,300 - $145,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Commercialization Manager facilitates the commercialization process from project initiation through launch and closeout, managing timelines, risks, dependencies, and Stage Gate requirements. The role partners with Project Owners and cross-functional representatives to deliver new products, product changes, cost savings, and business continuity initiatives on time and with operational excellence. It may support various Mizkan portfolio segments, including Signature Brands, Private Brand, and/or Food Service.

This position is based at Mizkan America’s corporate office in Schaumburg, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule: onsite Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on other scheduled days, based on business needs and company guidelines. The role is scheduled for at least eight hours per day and 40 or more hours per week, Monday through Friday. Core hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with flexible start and end times between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Additional onsite attendance, schedule flexibility, or business travel may be needed from time to time.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least five years of experience in a CPG environment, including at least three years of project management expertise. The annual salary range is $121,300–$145,000, and the position is eligible for Mizkan’s Short-Term Incentive Plan, with a target bonus opportunity of 15%.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in a CPG environment, including at least three years of demonstrated project management expertise.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Experience with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or comparable project-management software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects within specified timelines.
• Ability to work effectively with all functional areas and at all levels.
• Ability to remain seated at a workstation for extended periods, up to eight hours per day.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment; ability to view computer screens and read printed materials for prolonged periods.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching in an office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 10–15 pounds.
• Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person and via phone or video.
• Regular, predictable attendance in person and remotely according to the hybrid schedule, including required onsite days.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; the employer cannot provide or assume employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Food industry experience.
• Prior manufacturing and/or R&D experience.
• PMP certification.
• Basic knowledge of bill-of-material structures, ERP systems such as D365 or SAP, and GS1 standards.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate cross-functional commercialization activities to prepare for new product or package launches and changes to existing products, packages, or processes.
• Develop and maintain project plans and timelines with cross-functional input, identifying interdependencies, implications, risks, milestones, and critical paths.
• Schedule and lead regular commercialization and project-specific meetings to support Project Owners, communication, collaboration, and on-time delivery.
• Monitor project action items and task completion; update timelines, document approved changes, and escalate constraints, dependencies, and schedule risks.
• Prepare and submit forms and track status to facilitate system and specification setup.
• Facilitate the Stage Gate process by confirming deliverables, decisions, approvals, scope updates, risks, and supporting documentation are completed at the appropriate time and according to requirements.
• Collaborate with project owners and business leaders on the monthly Stage Gate agenda.
• Provide regular project status reports and raise key issues, risks, and needs to the Brand Manager or Project Owner and their Manager.
• Drive or support business process improvement initiatives to improve Commercialization and Stage Gate processes and interdepartmental efficiency.
• Perform other duties that support the team, department, or organization, including cross-functional initiatives, process improvements, and special projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match.
• Profit sharing.
• Wellness programs.
• Education assistance.
• Employee referral bonuses.
• Eligibility to participate in the Short-Term Incentive Plan, with a target bonus opportunity of 15%.

What This Job Offers

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