Commercialization Project Manager – Retail Business

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Time off programs

Retirement savings

Financial offerings

Job summary

Schwan’s Company in Minnesota seeks a Commercialization Project Manager to lead cross-functional product initiatives from concept to marketplace. You will manage new product launches, renovations, packaging changes, and discontinuations, partnering with Marketing, Finance, Operations, R&D, and Demand Planning to deliver on time and meet customer needs.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of PM or commercialization experience in CPG, can influence stakeholders, and thrives in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience with 5+ years PM/commercialization in a CPG environment.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects from concept to launch.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive accountability across teams.
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate processes and project management tools.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects from concept through commercialization.
• Develop and manage project plans with timelines and milestones.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Finance, Operations, R&D, and Demand Planning.
• Drive accountability and alignment to achieve project objectives.
• Champion standardized processes and portfolio health reporting.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Stakeholder influence

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Stage-Gate tools

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:

• Project Management & Execution 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 mitigate 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] . #LI-JW1