Associate Commercialization Manager

Utz Brands, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k) matching

Wellness resources

Career growth

Job summary

Utz Brands, Inc. is seeking an Associate Commercialization Manager to drive cross-functional commercialization projects from concept to production in a fast-paced consumer-packaged-goods environment.

You will lead network move projects, coordinate line installations, qualify plants for new products, and track cost savings with finance and plant teams, while maintaining project plans, documentation, and clear communication with leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, food science, marketing or related field.
• Experience in project coordination or management in manufacturing or CPG.
• Exposure to commercialization of food or consumer products is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply project management techniques to execute assigned projects and workstreams.
• Lead Network Move projects coordinating production transfers between plants and co-manufacturers.
• Oversee trials and qualification of plants for new products, formulas, packaging, or processes.
• Coordinate line installation projects with engineering, plant ops, and suppliers.
• Track cost savings milestones on Value Creation Projects with finance and plant teams.
• Create project plans using MS Project and WBS structures with timelines and risk mitigation.
• Communicate status and risks to stakeholders, escalate as needed.
• Maintain Smartsheet and status trackers; support cross-functional initiatives.

Skills

MS Office

Data visualization

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Power BI

SpecRight

Job description

At Utz, we're passionate about creating crave-worthy snacks that consumers love. For more than 100 years, we've built iconic brands including Utz®, Zapp's®, Boulder Canyon®, and On The Border®, all while staying true to our entrepreneurial spirit and family-inspired values.

We’re looking for a highly motivated Associate Commercialization Manager to join our Commercialization team. If you're energized by leading projects, solving complex challenges, collaborating across functions, and seeing your work come to life on the production floor, this is the opportunity for you.

What You'll Do

• Apply sound project management techniques and workflow processes to execute assigned projects and workstreams
• Lead Network Move projects, coordinating the transition of production between internal manufacturing plants and co-manufacturers, including timeline management, documentation, and stakeholder alignment
• Lead qualification of internal plants for new products, formulas, packaging, or processes, including trial coordination, documentation, and follow-through on corrective actions
• Lead line installation projects, aligning timing and information flow across engineering, plant operations, and equipment suppliers
• Lead execution of Value Creation Projects (VC), tracking cost savings milestones and partnering with finance and plant teams to deliver results
• Build project plans and timelines using MS Project and WBS structures to outline objectives, timing, risks, and risk mitigation planning
• Communicate project status, risks, and roadblocks to project stakeholders and leadership, escalating issues as needed
• Maintain project tracking tools and documentation (e.g., Smartsheet, status reports, trackers)
• Partner with Commercialization Managers and Sr. Managers on cross-functional initiatives, building subject-matter expertise in commercialization project management
• Identify and bring forward process improvement opportunities to Manager/Sr. Manager
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Bring

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, food science, marketing or other related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in project coordination, project management, manufacturing, or a related field; relevant internship or co-op experience in CPG or manufacturing will be considered.
• Experience with or exposure to commercialization of food or consumer products is a plus.

Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office products and MS Project.
• Ability to organize data into graphs, presentations, and charts.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Smartsheet, SpecRight, or Power BI is a plus.

Certifications & Licenses

• Formal certification in Project Management (from PMI or equivalent Project Management Association) is a plus.

External Recruitment Process

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why Utz?

We believe in taking care of our people. Our benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
• Wellness resources, support programs, onsite gym and healthcare center
• Career growth opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment
• A culture built on innovation, teamwork, and recognition

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.