Project Manager, Commercialization

ofi; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 86,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Paid sick leave

Company holidays

401K match

Career growth

Job summary

ofi is seeking a seasoned Professional to lead end-to-end product commercialization from concept to shelf. You will drive cross-functional collaboration across R&D, marketing, sales, and supply chain to ensure on-time launches that meet specifications.

This role emphasizes on-site collaboration, regulatory awareness, and strong project leadership in a fast-paced food industry environment. Travel up to 15% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Food Science or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product commercialization, project management, or related roles within the food industry.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects from concept to launch.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to present findings to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with food industry regulations, safety standards, and labeling requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with SalesForce and Specright a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end commercialization from concept to shelf, including setting up projects in workflow tool and ensuring cross-functional tasks are completed on time.
• Develop project timelines and communicate to stakeholders.
• Influence and drive alignment among leadership, marketing, sales, supply chain, and R&D.
• Identify risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate issues.
• Lead weekly Feasibility calls to manage lifecycle before customer acceptance.
• Lead weekly Launch calls to manage lifecycle after acceptance.
• Launch products on time and within specifications.
• Serve as gatekeeper for the pipeline’s single source of truth.
• Coordinate with R&D to ensure market needs, regulations, and manufacturing capabilities are met.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure efficient production and troubleshoot issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

Description

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

Position Summary

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues – employees are expected to work their specific work schedule on site at their ofi location.

What You’ll Do - Position Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end commercialization process from concept through to shelf. Including setting up projects in ofi’s designated workflow tool and ensuring each cross-functional partner is completing their tasks on time.
• Develop project timelines & communicate to all stakeholders.
• Influence and drive alignment amongst team members and across key stakeholders including the leadership team, marketing, sales, supply chain and R&D.
• Identify potential risks and challenges that could impact product commercialization and develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks.
• Lead weekly “Feasibility” calls to manage project lifecycle prior to customer acceptance.
• Lead weekly “Launch” calls to manage project lifecycle after customer acceptance.
• Responsible for launching products on time & within spec.
• Be the gatekeeper for 1 source of truth on projects in the pipeline.
• Work closely with the R&D function to ensure product development aligns with market needs, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to ensure efficient and effective production of high-quality products and to troubleshoot any production-related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience You’ll Bring – Role Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Food Science or related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in product commercialization, project management, or related roles within the food industry.
• Project Management: Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects from concept to launch.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with food industry regulations, safety standards, and labeling requirements.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. Experience with SalesForce and Specright are a plus.
• Team Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Adaptability: Able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and market conditions.
• Travel: This role may require up to 15% travel.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. Build a Rewarding Career at ofi!

The pay for this role ranges from $86,000- $115,000 annually and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.

Performance-based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact, for eligible roles.

Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future.

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family.

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees.

Additional Perks That Make a Difference

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure.
• Paid Sick Leave – Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi.
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments.
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program.
• Career Growth and Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.