Manager, Project Commercialization

Mizkan America; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Mizkan America, headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, is seeking a Project Commercialization Manager to drive new product introductions and changes from initiation through launch and closeout. You will coordinate cross-functional teams to meet timelines, manage risks, and ensure Stage Gate deliverables with operational excellence.

The role offers a hybrid work arrangement with onsite days and core hours aligned to Central Time, supporting collaboration across Marketing, R&D, Procurement, Finance,

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in a CPG environment with at least 3 years of project management.
• Experience with ERP systems (D365, SAP) and PM tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the commercialization process from initiation to launch and closeout.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and timelines.
• Lead regular commercialization and project meetings across functions.
• Monitor progress, update timelines, and escalate risks and dependencies.
• Prepare forms and track system/specification set-up.
• Support Stage Gate deliverables and approvals with project owners.
• Provide status reports on risks and needs to Brand Manager or Project Owner.
• Drive process improvements within Commercialization and Stage Gate.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS/BA in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering

Tools

D365

SAP

Smartsheet

Microsoft Project

Job description

The Project Commercialization Manager is an integral part of the cross-functional team and is responsible for facilitating the commercialization process from project initiation through launch and closeout, ensuring project timelines, risks, dependencies, and Stage Gate requirements are effectively managed. The role partners with Project Owners and cross-functional representatives to deliver new products, product changes, cost savings, and business continuity initiatives on time and with operational excellence. This position may support various business segments across the Mizkan portfolio, including Signature Brands, Private Brand and/or Food Service.

Position Summary

The Project Commercialization Manager is an integral part of the cross-functional team and is responsible for facilitating the commercialization process from project initiation through launch and closeout, ensuring project timelines, risks, dependencies, and Stage Gate requirements are effectively managed. The role partners with Project Owners and cross-functional representatives to deliver new products, product changes, cost savings, and business continuity initiatives on time and with operational excellence. This position may support various business segments across the Mizkan portfolio, including Signature Brands, Private Brand and/or Food Service.

About Mizkan America

Mizkan America, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, is a part of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for more than 220 years. We’re one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the U.S., with manufacturing facilities across the country serving retail, foodservice, and food ingredient customers. Our portfolio covers Meal Solutions, Flavor Enhancers and Inspired Mixology. It includes trusted brands such as RAGÚ®, BERTOLLI®, BORN SIMPLE®, HOLLAND HOUSE®, NAKANO®, MIZKAN® and ZING ZANG®, and we’re the exclusive North American importer and distributor of ANGOSTURA®.

Why Join Mizkan America?

We combine the resources and brand power of a major food company with the speed and agility of a smaller company. That means fewer layers, faster decisions and real ownership of work you can see on store shelves. Two principles guide everything we do: offer customers only the finest products and continuously challenge the status quo. We’re investing in what’s next, including tools and training to use AI responsibly so it strengthens human judgment rather than replacing it. Whether you work in operations, innovation, commercial or a corporate function, your work makes an impact, and we’re invested in your growth.

Work Location

Mizkan America’s corporate office in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid schedule that combines in-person collaboration with remote work on other scheduled days, based on business needs and company guidelines.

Work Schedule & Shift

This role is scheduled for at least eight (8) hours per day and 40 or more hours per week. Core hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Start and end times may be flexible between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., helping employees balance flexibility with team collaboration, business needs, and deadlines.

Schedule

This role is scheduled for at least eight (8) hours per day and 40 or more hours per week. Core hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Start and end times may be flexible between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., helping employees balance flexibility with team collaboration, business needs, and deadlines.

In-Office Days

Onsite Tuesday through Thursday, creating dedicated time for connection and collaboration.

Additional Requirements

From time to time, additional onsite attendance, schedule flexibility, or business travel may be needed to support meetings, projects, and other business priorities.

What You’ll Do

• Facilitate the Commercialization process – cross-functional activities required to prepare to launch a new product or package into the market or make changes to an existing product/package/process – for various types of projects, as assigned.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans and timelines with input from the cross-functional team, understanding interdependencies, implications/risks, and clarity of key milestones/critical path. Seeks to understand the activities of the various functions, asking questions to drive clarity in the project approach/timeline.

• Schedule and lead regular Commercialization meetings and/or project-specific meetings as needed, supporting the Project Owner to ensure communication and drive collaboration across functions including Marketing, R&D, Procurement, Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, etc., to ensure activities/actions are on track to deliver projects on time and with excellence. Frequency/timing of meetings is dependent on the needs of the brand/business and/or complexity of the project.

• Monitor the progress of project action items, completed tasks, etc. from development through completion; update project timelines, document approved changes, and elevate constraints, dependencies, and schedule risks as needed.

• Prepare/submit proper forms and track status to facilitate system/specification set-up.

• Facilitate the Stage Gate process by confirming required gate deliverables, decisions, approvals, scope updates, risks, and supporting documentation are complete at the appropriate time and with the proper requirements. Collaborate on the monthly agenda with project owners and business leaders.

• Provide status reports on a regular basis for each project, raising key issues to the Brand Manager or Project Owner as well as their Manager on risks and needs.

• Drive/support business process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiencies within Commercialization/Stage Gate processes as well as interdepartmentally.

• Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed.

• This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required for this role.

What You’ll Bring

• BS/BA in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a CPG environment, including at least 3 years in proven project management expertise.
• Food industry experience is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience in manufacturing and/or R&D is preferable.
• Must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.
• PMP certification is preferable but not required.
• Basic knowledge of bill-of-material structures, ERP systems such as D365 or SAP, and GS1 standards is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams is required; experience with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or comparable project-management software is required.

Leadership Expectations

• Must possess demonstrated ability in managing multiple projects with high degree of complexity within a specified timeline.
• Ability to work effectively with all functional areas at all levels is essential.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to remain seated at a workstation for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to view computer screens and read printed materials for prolonged periods.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 10-15 lbs.
• Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person and via phone/video.
• Regular, predictable attendance—both in-person and remote—as defined by the hybrid work schedule is an essential function of this position. Employees are expected to be present and engaged during designated work hours, including required on-site days.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is $121,300-$145,000 per year. This position is not eligible for overtime pay.

Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience, skills, education, internal equity, market data, and geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Bonus Eligibility: This position is eligible to participate in Mizkan’s Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) based on quarterly results] with a target bonus opportunity of 15%.

Benefits: Mizkan offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off and company holidays, life and disability insurance, 401(k) with up to 4% company match, profit sharing, wellness programs, education assistance, and employee referral bonuses. Benefits eligibility and plan provisions are subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Mizkan America, Inc. is unable to provide or assume sponsorship for an employment visa now or in the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Mizkan America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and business needs. Mizkan America, Inc. does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process should contact [e-mail].