Commercialization Project Manager – Retail Business

Schwan's Company; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Time off programs

Retirement offerings

Job summary

Schwan’s Company invites a Commercialization Project Manager to spearhead product initiatives from concept to marketplace. The role coordinates across Marketing, Finance, Operations, R&D, and Demand Planning to ensure on-time delivery and alignment with business goals.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in project management within CPG, strong Stage-Gate familiarity, and exceptional organizational skills. Base salary ranges with performance bonuses are offered in a competitive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or relevant work experience) in a related field.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects from concept through launch is required.
• Proficiency with Stage-Gate processes and project management tools.
• Strong MS Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and ability to influence across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects from concept through commercialization, including launches, renovations, packaging changes, and discontinuations.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and milestones, proactively identifying risks.
• Partner with Marketing, Finance, Operations, R&D, and Demand Planning to ensure on-time execution and alignment with goals.
• Drive accountability and alignment among stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder influence

Stage-Gate knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table! We are seeking a Commercialization Project Manager to lead the successful execution of product initiatives from concept to marketplace. In this highly visible role, you will drive cross-functional projects across the entire product lifecycle, including new product launches, product renovations, cost savings initiatives, packaging updates, and product discontinuations. Partnering closely with teams across Marketing, Finance, Operations, R&D, and Demand Planning, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, align with business objectives, and meet consumer and customer needs. The ideal candidate is a strategic and highly organized project leader with exceptional attention to detail and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. You build strong relationships across functions, influence without authority, proactively solve problems, and are comfortable challenging the status quo to drive continuous improvement and business growth.

What You Will Do

• Lead cross-functional projects from concept through commercialization, including new product launches, product renovations, packaging changes, and product discontinuations.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and key milestones while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Partners with teams across Marketing, Finance, Operations, R&D, and Demand Planning to ensure successful project execution and on-time delivery.
• Drive accountability and alignment among stakeholders to achieve project objectives and business goals.

Portfolio & Process Management

• Serve as the portfolio's project management expert, championing standardized processes, tool effectiveness, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance team performance and execution.
• Ensure portfolio data accuracy and visibility by conducting project audits, maintaining alignment across portfolio management system, and delivering reporting and insights on portfolio health, pipeline performance, and resource capacity to support strategic decision-making.

What We Look For

• Bachelor's degree (or relevant work experience) and 5+ years of experience in project management, commercialization, marketing, sales, or a related discipline, ideally within the CPG industry
• Experience leading cross-functional projects from concept through launch
• Ability to influence stakeholders, build relationships, and drive accountability across teams
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate processes and project management tools
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $83,000 - $139,000 annually with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus, that is based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range. Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].