Product Commercialization Manager (Contract)

Papa Johns•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Commercialization Manager leads end‑to‑end commercialization projects with a primary focus on Design‑to‑Value initiatives that enhance product quality, efficiency, and cost performance. Acting as a critical connector across the organization, this role partners closely with suppliers and internal teams—including Quality Assurance, Procurement, Culinary, Supply Chain, and Restaurant Operations—to bring new and optimized products to market seamlessly. This position is an 18-month, full-time contract engagement, with potential for extension or future full-time employment; however, neither is guaranteed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, or related field.
5+ years of experience in R&D, QA, Product Development, or Commercialization within foodservice or QSR
Strong understanding of product formulation, manufacturing processes, and supplier collaboration.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional projects in a fast‑paced environment.
Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Design‑to‑Value or value engineering methodologies.
Background working with multi‑unit restaurant brands or large‑scale food manufacturers.
Familiarity with sensory evaluation, specification systems, and commercialization workflows.

Responsibilities

Lead end‑to‑end commercialization of new and reformulated products, from concept through launch.
Manage Design‑to‑Value initiatives focused on improving product performance, cost structure, and operational efficiency.
Develop and maintain project timelines, ensuring milestones are met and risks are proactively addressed.
Facilitate cross‑functional alignment and decision‑making to keep projects moving forward.
Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and seamless execution.
Partner with Culinary and QA to validate product performance, specifications, and quality standards.
Work closely with Procurement to evaluate supplier capabilities, cost structures, and sourcing strategies.
Collaborate with Restaurant Operations to ensure products are operationally feasible and scalable.
Translate technical product requirements into clear specifications and supplier expectations.
Support product testing, sensory evaluations, and quality validations.
Identify opportunities for product optimization through ingredient changes, process improvements, or packaging enhancements.
Partner with QA/Food Safety/Regulatory to ensure all products meet regulatory, safety, and brand standards.