Commercialization Specialist
Reports To: Commercialization Manager
Position Summary
The Commercialization Assistant is responsible for supporting the successful transition of new food products and customers from development through commercialization. This position assists with customer communications, project coordination, new item setup in an ERP system, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure products are launched accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
The Commercialization Assistant works closely with Commercialization, Product Development, Sales, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Operations, Purchasing, and Production to maintain accurate records, coordinate meetings, and support customer needs throughout the commercialization process. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, strong communication abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the Commercialization team with new project onboarding activities.
- Serve as a point of contact for routine customer communication related to commercialization projects.
- Coordinate customer communications regarding project timelines, product information, sample requests, and other various commercialization activities.
- Schedule and coordinate customer meetings, internal project meetings, and conference calls.
- Document meeting topics and transcripts.
- Assist with ERP setup and maintenance for new ingredients, new products, new customers, product revisions, packaging, pricing, and related data.
- Coordinate with Purchasing, Quality Assurance, Operations, Maintenance, and Production to obtain and verify project information.
- Prepare and maintain commercialization documentation including specifications, item setup forms, project timelines, bills of materials, and supporting records.
- Organize and maintain electronic and hard-copy project files and customer documentation.
- Review product samples with the Commercialization team to provide feedback and observations.
- Coordinate customer sample requests and ensure samples are prepared, documented, and shipped accurately and on time.
- Attend new product launches.
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and project summaries for management as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality of proprietary formulas, customer information, pricing, specifications, and business information.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Commercialization department.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches and customer satisfaction.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Food Technology, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience can be used in place of an advanced degree on a case by case basis.
- Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in food manufacturing, commercialization, project coordination, customer service, or administrative support preferred.
- Experience working with ERP systems is preferred.
- Experience in a food manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent organizational and project coordination skills.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing deadlines.
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience working with ERP systems preferred.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding customer information, pricing, proprietary products, and company data.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to travel throughout office, laboratory, warehouse, and manufacturing areas as needed.
- Manual dexterity required for computer work and handling project documentation.
- Ability to occasionally work in production environments while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following facility procedures with GMP’s.
Work Environment
- Office environment within a food manufacturing facility.
- Frequent interaction with laboratory, production, warehouse, and office personnel.
- Occasional exposure to food manufacturing environments and common food allergens.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required when entering production or warehouse areas.
Performance Expectations
Success in this position is measured by:
- Timely completion of commercialization projects and customer onboarding activities.
- Effective coordination of customer communications and project meetings.
- Accuracy and organization of project documentation and records.
- Support of successful product launches and commercialization timelines.
- Effective collaboration with cross-functional departments.
- Responsiveness to customer and internal team needs.
- Continuous improvement contributions.
Preferred Competencies
- Detail-oriented
- Strong organizational skills
- Customer focus
- Professional communication
- Project coordination
- Initiative and self-motivation
- Adaptability
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Accountability
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Continuous learning mindset
Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
