Job Description

Location: Remote with requirement to travel for business needs

Role Purpose:

The Innovation Commercialization Associate Manager will be responsible for managing innovation projects across our food & beverage categories, working cross-functionally to accelerate speed-to-market and ensure efficient commercialization. The ideal candidate has PMO role CPG experience, understands supply chain dynamics, and has successfully launched products in high-growth, fast-paced environments. Ideal candidate would be one who would have efficiently led cross functional teams to deliver a fast launch in market.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive the end-to-end project management process for new product innovation projects, ensuring quick and effective go-to-market execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Leadership Team, Marketing, Operations, Brand and Sales, to get projects from concept through commercialization.
• Develop and manage detailed project timelines, ensuring key milestones are met.
• Support activities required for checkpoint delivery for Innovation Stage Gate process.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings, providing clear action plans to keep teams aligned and agile.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including status reports and performance metrics, for senior leadership.
• Identify PMO continuous improvement opportunities to enhance process efficiency, execution speed, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 2-5+ years of project management experience in CPG, ideally within food & beverage. Proven track record of managing fast-paced product innovation and commercialization, with a focus on speed-to-market.
• Strong understanding of traditional retail and e-commerce product launches and supply chain execution.
• Experience working with R&D, supply chain, and manufacturing partners to bring products to market.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong cross-functional alignment in a high-growth environment.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools
• Proactive, operate at a high pace (with minimal oversight), and have a bias towards action
• Manage projects independently across various functions, demonstrating a collaborative / consultative approach as well as high business acumen
• Proficiency in MS Project, as well as MS Office Suite

Preferred:

• Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with food manufacturing processes and quality assurance protocols.
• Innovation: Experience in leading innovation initiatives and fostering a culture of creativity within teams.
• Proficiency in PowerBI a plus

Competencies and Proficiency Requirements:

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in ensuring all aspects of product development meet the highest standards.
• Customer Focus: Deep understanding of consumer needs and the ability to translate them into successful products.

Scope:

Financial/Budgetary Responsibility: Ensure innovation projects are completed within budget and hitting our financial goals.

Team Size: No direct reports

Conditions of Role:

• Travel Requirements: Primarily remote role with infrequent travel as required.
• Physical Conditions: Primarily remote-based, with occasional office presence.
• Work Environment: Professional and collaborative.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $90,000-$100,000 / year (commensurate with experience and location)

• Medical, Vision and Dental Coverage
• Health Spending Account
• Life and Dependent Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Short Term Disability (not available for Union employees)
• Long Term Disability
• Travel Assistance
• Voluntary Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)