Operations Launch Manager

Winland Foods•Medina, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Launch Manager leads cross-functional food product and process projects from pre-launch through qualified production in a food manufacturing environment. This role combines strong food science expertise with disciplined project management to ensure products are safe, compliant, scalable, and delivered on time and within budget. The ideal candidate bridges R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams while maintaining a strong understanding of food safety, formulation, and manufacturing constraints.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, or a related technical field required
5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, R&D, or technical project management
Proven experience leading cross-functional projects in a manufacturing environment
Hands-on experience with product launch and scale-up
Strong understanding of food formulation, processing, and ingredient functionality
Knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, FSMA, GMPs)
Familiarity with regulatory and labeling requirements
Experience with sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing
Strong planning, organization, and prioritization skills
Experience with stage-gate or formal project management methodologies
Proficient in project management and documentation tools
Cross-functional leadership and influence
Strong communication and stakeholder management
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Ability to translate technical details into actionable plans
Comfortable working in both lab and manufacturing floor environments
Ability to work in manufacturing environments, including exposure to noise, temperature variations, and food allergens
Ability to wear required PPE and stand/walk for extended periods during plant trials

Nice To Haves

1 year of Project Management experience and experience with new product or SKU launch is preferred
Continuous Improvement background is preferred
Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent
HACCP or PCQI certification

Responsibilities

Lead pre-launch food projects through qualified production of product development, including new products, reformulations, line extensions, and process improvements
Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, ingredient and packaging inventory, and trial plans
Facilitate cross-functional project teams and maintain accountability for deliverables
Identify risks, develop mitigation plans, and escalate issues as needed
Communicate project status, milestones, and results to stakeholders and leadership
Provide technical guidance on formulation, ingredients, processing, and material expiration
Ensure products meet sensory, nutritional, regulatory, and food safety requirements
Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, and customer requirements
Support scale-up from bench to pilot to full production
Troubleshoot product or process issues during trials and commercialization
Collaborate with Operations to ensure manufacturability and cost targets are met
Coordinate plant trials, including documentation, data collection, and outcomes
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, efficiency, and waste reduction
Work with Procurement on ingredient sourcing and supplier qualifications
Maintain accurate project documentation, specifications, and change controls
Ensure stage-gate or project governance processes are followed
Capture lessons learned and support standardization best practices