Commercialization & Account Specialist

Performance Pet Products; Mitchell (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

PTO

Paid holidays

401K match

Job summary

Performance Pet Products in Mitchell, SD, is opening a new position to bridge 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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years experience in project management, account support, customer service, commercialization, manufacturing, or product development preferred.
• Strong organization, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Identify gaps, clarify ownership, and keep projects moving without unnecessary complexity.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; ERP or project tracking system experience 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 management

Account coordination

Customer service

Cross-functional communication

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP

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!

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.

Additional hours and travel may be necessary to support customers and product launches.

Areas of Accountability

All areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork

Commercialization & Launch Coordination Account Support Cross-Functional Follow-Through

Essential Duties And 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

Situations 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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in business, project management, food science, supply chain, or related field preferred
• 3+ years experience in project management, account support, customer service, commercialization, manufacturing, or product development preferred
• Strong organization and follow-through with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with customers and cross-functional teams
• Ability to identify gaps, clarify ownership, and keep projects moving without creating unnecessary complexity
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; ERP or project tracking system experience preferred

Physical Requirements

• Perform desk work (sitting or standing) for up to 100% of workday
• Repetitively use wrist, hand, and/or fingers