Project Manager, Food Product Launch & Commercialization

Lucas James Talent Partners; East Chicago (IN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct Hire with full benefits

401K Match

PTO

Job summary

Harvest Food Group is seeking a Project Manager – Sales operations to lead the execution of product commercialization initiatives across Harvest Food Group, including New Product Development (NPD), Customer launches and specifications, customer and product line extensions, product changes, packaging, productivity improvements, and manufacturing transitions.

This role ensures products are successfully launched, coordinated, transitioned from concept to full-scale production while meeting quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5+ years of project management, product commercialization, manufacturing, and equipment automation experience.
• Experience in food (frozen) packaging and CPGB an asset.
• Proven ability with data analytics and capacity analysis.
• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma Black Belt is desirable.
• Proficient in ERP systems, Gantt charts, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional execution from concept through launch with a defined timeline.
• Develop detailed Gantt charts and ensure milestones are achieved.
• Coordinate activities across departments, maintain visibility, and drive deliverables.
• Serve as primary contact for customer and sales teams on project status and decisions.
• Align customer expectations with internal capabilities and communicate across stakeholders.
• Lead external engagements with suppliers and manufacturers for project success.

Skills

Data analytics

ERP systems

Gantt charts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Harvest Food Group is seeking a Project Manager – Sales operations to lead the execution of product commercialization initiatives across Harvest Food Group, including New Product Development (NPD), Customer launches and specifications, customer and product line extensions, product changes, packaging, productivity improvements, and manufacturing transitions.

This role ensures products are successfully launched, coordinated, transitioned from concept to full-scale production while meeting quality,