Commercialization & Account Specialist

Farmers-Union-Industries; Mitchell (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

PTO

Job summary

Performance Pet Products, part of Farmers Union Industries, LLC, in Mitchell, SD, is seeking a coordinator to bridge Sales, R&D, QA, Procurement and Operations from product development through launch.

You will own commercialization workflow, manage ERP setup, track timelines, communicate forecasts, and support new product trials and post-launch follow-up. Travel may be required; on-site role with full benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain new product development and commercialization workflow forms, checklists, timelines, and status updates.
• Manage the R&D Hopper with Sales and R&D; identify projects approaching commercialization and ensure clear handoffs, owners, and next steps.
• Serve as the primary coordination point between Sales, R&D, QA, Procurement, Operations, Planning, and customers as products move toward launch.
• Drive follow-up on commercialization requirements including customer approvals, packaging and artwork, pricing, documentation, trials, ERP setup, and launch readiness.
• Follow up with customer accounts on order status, upcoming needs, forecasts, launch timing, and open action items.
• Communicate customer forecasts and demand changes to Sales and plant planning teams to support production and material planning.
• Support Sales with account administration, customer communication, project follow-through, and preparation needed to achieve account and commission goals.
• Maintain accurate customer, product, launch, and account information in applicable systems and shared files.
• Identify delays, missing information, and unclear ownership early; coordinate resolution with the appropriate team member.
• Support new product trials, first production runs, customer launches, and post-launch follow-up as needed.
• Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance.
• Travel as needed to support customers, launches, and business needs.

Skills

Project coordination

Cross-functional communication

Account support

ERP experience

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

ERP software

Project tracking software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Farmers Union Industries, LLC, also known as FUI, is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our current operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Please visit our website at fuillc.com to learn more!Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, works with brands both large and small to create an assortment of canned dog and cat foods. Learn more about what we do at fuillc.com/performance-pet-products/.Performance Pet Products is opening a new position to serve as a bridge between Sales, R&D, Operations, and the customer, owning the flow from product development through commercialization and launch. They manage the commercialization workflow and R&D hopper, keep customers aligned on orders and forecasts, and drive follow-up across teams so projects keep moving and Sales can focus on winning and growing business. We offer a competitive salary, and a complete benefits package includes health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, an impressive 401K match, and much more!ScheduleMonday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.Additional hours and travel may be necessary to support customers and product launchesAreas of AccountabilityAll areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and TeamworkCommercialization & Launch Coordination Account Support Cross-Functional Follow-ThroughEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOwn and maintain new product development and commercialization workflow forms, checklists, timelines, and status updatesManage the R&D Hopper with Sales and R&D; identify projects approaching commercialization and ensure clear handoffs, owners, and next stepsServe as the primary coordination point between Sales, R&D, QA, Procurement, Operations, Planning, and customers as products move toward launchDrive follow-up on commercialization requirements including customer approvals, packaging and artwork, pricing, documentation, trials, ERP setup, and launch readinessFollow up with customer accounts on order status, upcoming needs, forecasts, launch timing, and open action itemsCommunicate customer forecasts and demand changes to Sales and plant planning teams to support production and material planningSupport Sales with account administration, customer communication, project follow-through, and preparation needed to achieve account and commission goalsMaintain accurate customer, product, launch, and account information in applicable systems and shared filesIdentify delays, missing information, and unclear ownership early; coordinate resolution with the appropriate team memberSupport new product trials, first production runs, customer launches, and post-launch follow-up as neededMaintain regular and predictable on-site attendanceTravel as needed to support customers, launches, and business needsSituations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field preferred3+ years experience in project management, account support, customer service, commercialization, manufacturing, or product development preferredStrong organization and follow-through with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlinesStrong written and verbal communication skills with customers and cross-functional teamsAbility to identify gaps, clarify ownership, and keep projects moving without creating unnecessary complexityProficient with Microsoft Office; ERP or project tracking system experience preferredPhysical RequirementsPerform desk work (sitting or standing) for up to 100% of workdayRepetitively use wrist, hand, and/or fingers