Food Commercialization Lead — Cross-Functional PM

Gem Care Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gem Care Inc. in Knoxville, TN seeks an experienced Commercializer to lead new product commercialization from concept to launch. You will steer cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Marketing to ensure timely, cost-effective product introductions.

The role requires an engineering-related degree and 8+ years in product commercialization, with Lean Six Sigma or PMP credentials preferred. Direct hire with strong growth potential and industry impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, food science, supply chain or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in product commercialization, project management, and manufacturing consumer-packaged goods (Food & Beverage preferred).
• Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement certification (Preferred).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) (Preferred).
• Familiarity with food safety and preventative controls (Highly Preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, and critical path activities to ensure successful project execution.
• Drive accountability across project teams to achieve objectives, timelines, and commitments.
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, and resolve issues that may impact scope, schedule, cost, or quality.
• Coordinate and communicate project priorities, decisions, and progress with stakeholders at all levels.
• Lead regular project meetings with clear action plans, ownership, and follow-up on key deliverables.
• Monitor project performance and provide updates on status, risks, and opportunities to leadership.
• Manage change requests and ensure project scope remains aligned with business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional teams through all phases of commercialization from concept to launch.
• Serve as liaison between R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, and Business teams for alignment.
• Facilitate state-gate reviews and ensure required deliverables and readiness criteria are met.
• Evaluate manufacturing capabilities, process feasibility, and production readiness.
• Ensure commercialization activities comply with quality, regulatory, and food safety requirements.
• Transfer knowledge and plan launches, including co-manufacturing relationships and agreements.
• Drive continuous improvement of commercialization processes, tools and practices.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Food Science/Supply Chain or related technical discipline

Job description

Gem Care Inc. in Knoxville, TN seeks an experienced Commercializer to lead new product commercialization from concept to launch. You will steer cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, and Marketing to ensure timely, cost-effective product introductions.

The role requires an engineering-related degree and 8+ years in product commercialization, with Lean Six Sigma or PMP credentials preferred. Direct hire with strong growth potential and industry impact.