Project Manager

GCS Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GCS Recruitment is seeking a Project Manager - Commercialization in Chicago, Illinois. The ideal candidate will lead end-to-end product commercialization initiatives and ensure successful project launches by driving collaboration across R&D, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain.

The role requires 3+ years of experience in project management, preferably in the CPG or food & beverage sectors, and a PMP certification. Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills are essential for the success of strategic projects.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing projects, preferably in product commercialization.
• Proven experience in product development and commercialization within CPG or food & beverage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commercialization projects.
• Drive the stage-gate process for project progression.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across teams.
• Identify and communicate project risks to leadership.

Skills

Project Management

Cross-Functional Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Education

PMP Certification or equivalent

Job description

The Project Manager - Commercialization (PCM) is responsible for leading the end-to-end delivery of product commercialization initiatives within the organization. This role plays a critical part in executing strategic projects across the North America portfolio, ensuring successful product launches and changes from concept through post-launch review.

The PCM drives cross-functional collaboration across R&D, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives. Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills are essential to align stakeholders and deliver market success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end commercialization projects, from ideation and development to market launch and post-launch evaluation
• Drive the stage-gate process, ensuring timely decisions on project progression, risks, and mitigation strategies
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to meet business expectations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and Finance teams
• Identify, assess, and communicate project risks to leadership; develop mitigation plans to address challenges
• Track key performance metrics and monitor project progress, making data-driven adjustments where required
• Lead and motivate cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality outcomes
• Ensure operational, technical, and quality standards are maintained throughout the commercialization process
• Foster continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes and speed-to-market
• Influence stakeholders and negotiate effectively to achieve aligned project outcomes

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing projects, preferably in product commercialization
• Proven experience in product development and commercialization, ideally within CPG or food & beverage industries
• PMP certification or equivalent project management certification preferred
• Strong cross-functional leadership and collaboration skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation abilitiesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach
• Solid business acumen and understanding of brand and category strategies
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment
• Growth mindset with a passion for continuous learning and improvement