Commercialization Project Manager

Sterling Engineering, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 123,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Pension plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Sterling Engineering, Inc. is partnering with Bush Brothers & Company to hire a Commercialization Project Manager to lead new product commercialization projects from concept through market launch.

The role serves as the project leader for cross-functional teams responsible for bringing new products from development into full-scale manufacturing, ensuring on-time, on-budget launches and effective knowledge transfer to manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in project management, commercialization, engineering, or manufacturing.
• Experience leading New Product Introduction (NPI) or commercialization projects from concept through launch.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with Stage-Gate product development processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or similar project management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional commercialization projects through the full product lifecycle, from concept development to commercial launch.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and critical path activities.
• Coordinate Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure project success.
• Drive manufacturing readiness, pilot production, process scale-up, and production launch activities.
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and resolve issues that impact project timelines or objectives.
• Facilitate Stage-Gate reviews and communicate project status to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure successful knowledge transfer and operational readiness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen commercialization processes and project execution.

Skills

Project management

Product commercialization

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Stage-Gate process

MS Project

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Title: Commercialization Project ManagerLocation: Knoxville, TNHire Type: Direct Hire, OnsiteTarget Compensation: $145,000 base salary + annual bonusTravel: Est. 10–20% (mostly local)Benefits: Full employee benefits, company-funded pension plan, relocation assistanceJob Summary:Sterling Engineering is partnering with Bush Brothers & Company to hire a Commercialization Project Manager to lead new product commercialization projects from concept through market launch. This role serves as the project leader for cross-functional teams responsible for bringing new products from development into full-scale manufacturing. You'll manage the entire product lifecycle, partnering with Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, and Sales to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and ready for successful launch. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced project manager who enjoys leading complex initiatives, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating across multiple business functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Must Have Skills:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical discipline8+ years of project management and product commercialization experience within manufacturingExperience leading New Product Introduction (NPI) or commercialization projects from concept through launchStrong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skillsExperience with Stage-Gate product development processesProficiency with Microsoft Project or similar project management softwarePreferred:Food & Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing experienceJob Duties:Lead cross-functional commercialization projects through the full product lifecycle, from concept development to commercial launch.Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and critical path activities.Coordinate Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure project success.Drive manufacturing readiness, pilot production, process scale-up, and production launch activities.Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and resolve issues that impact project timelines or objectives.Facilitate Stage-Gate reviews and communicate project status to leadership and key stakeholders.Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure successful knowledge transfer and operational readiness.Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen commercialization processes and project execution.Travel 10–20% to manufacturing facilities as needed.Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field (required)8+ years of experience in project management, commercialization, engineering, or manufacturingProven ability to lead complex cross-functional projects in a manufacturing environmentStrong understanding of manufacturing operations, commercialization, and product launch processesExcellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skillsFood manufacturing experience strongly preferredPMP certificationLean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certificationQualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.#infood