Project Manager: Food Product Launch & Commercialization

Lucas James Talent Partners; East Chicago (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

PTO

401K match

Job summary

Harvest Food Group in East Chicago, IN, seeks a Project Manager – Sales Operations to lead product commercialization initiatives across NPD, customer launches, packaging changes, and manufacturing transitions. You will ensure on-time, cost-effective launches while meeting quality and timeline objectives, coordinating cross-functional teams.

This role requires strong planning, ERP/Excel proficiency, and the ability to align customer expectations with internal capabilities in a fast-paced food

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—ideally food (frozen) packaging and CPG.
• Experience with data analytics and understanding capacity analysis.
• Black Belt (Six Sigma) and Lean Manufacturing desired.
• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities and multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with ERP systems, Gantt charts, and proficiency in Excel and other applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional execution from concept through launch and establish the project timeline.
• Develop detailed Gantt charts and ensure milestones are clearly defined and achieved.
• Coordinate activities across departments, maintain project visibility, and hold teams accountable for deliverables.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the customer and sales team, managing external communications.
• Align customer expectations with internal capabilities and ensure clear stakeholder communication.
• Lead external engagements with packaging suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and service providers to ensure project success.

Skills

Project management

Data analytics

Capacity analysis

Six Sigma / Lean

ERP proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Gantt Charts

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Harvest Food Group in East Chicago, IN, seeks a Project Manager – Sales Operations to lead product commercialization initiatives across NPD, customer launches, packaging changes, and manufacturing transitions. You will ensure on-time, cost-effective launches while meeting quality and timeline objectives, coordinating cross-functional teams.

This role requires strong planning, ERP/Excel proficiency, and the ability to align customer expectations with internal capabilities in a fast-paced food