South Chicago Packing LLC · 5 hours ago
Commercialization Project Manager
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expSouth Chicago Packing LLC is seeking a Commercialization Project Manager responsible for leading cross-functional execution of product and process commercialization initiatives. This role ensures a disciplined transition from development to full-scale manufacturing and market launch, managing timelines, deliverables, and communication throughout the commercialization lifecycle.
Food ProcessingManufacturingPackaging ServicesSupply Chain Management
Hiring Manager
Erik Carpenter
Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end commercialization projects from late-stage development through first production and post-launch stabilization
Develop and maintain detailed commercialization project plans, timelines, and milestone tracking
Coordinate cross-functional activities to ensure manufacturing, supply chain, quality, regulatory, and commercial readiness
Identify risks, gaps, and dependencies early; drive mitigation plans and escalate issues as needed
Facilitate regular project meetings, status updates, and launch readiness reviews
Support post-launch performance monitoring, issue resolution, and stabilization activities
Drive continuous improvement by capturing commercialization learnings and best practices
Serve as the primary liaison between cross functional teams (Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Finance) to ensure project alignment and successful execution on time and on budget
Supports strong Master Data Management - maintaining integrity through setup and change management processes for formulas, specifications, ingredients, process instructions, product detail, and technical data sheets
Ensure alignment on scope, assumptions, responsibilities, and deliverables across all functions
Drive decision-making by preparing clear options, impacts, and trade-offs for stakeholders
Ensure smooth handoff from R&D to Operations with clear ownership and documentation
Coordinate sending samples to customers and potential customers, ensuring a great first impression of our products
Coordinate line trials, scale-up activities, and first production runs in partnership with R&D and Operations
Ensure production processes, work instructions, and training plans are completed and approved prior to launch
Confirm equipment readiness, capacity availability, and material supply for commercialization
Support issue resolution during trials and initial production, ensuring lessons learned are captured
Create and ensure completeness of GS1 data standards, included but not limited to product specifications, item codes, UPC and barcode creation and compliance, and raw material to WIP stage through finished good labels
Ensure all required documentation is completed, reviewed, and approved prior to launch, including: Specifications and formulas, Work instructions and SOPs, Quality plans and validation requirements, Regulatory and labeling approvals (as applicable)
Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance throughout commercialization
Support internal and external audits related to new product launches
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field
5+ years of experience in project management, commercialization, operations, or manufacturing environments
Proven track record managing cross-functional innovation or new product development (NPD) projects from concept through commercialization
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, scale-up, and operational constraints
Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Strong working knowledge of office productivity software, collaborative project management tools (Teams, Sharepoint, etc)
Preferred
PMP or other project management certification a plus
Benefits
Medical
Vision
Dental
Discretionary bonus up to 15% (50% personal performance based & 50% company performance)
Profit sharing (which feeds retirement) at a minimum of 3% annually
120 hours PTO in the 1st 12 months
Company
South Chicago Packing LLC
South Chicago Packing LLC, located in Chicago, IL, produces animal-based oil, shortening, and wax products used in a variety of food and non-food applications.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2025-08-01
2025-07-08
2025-02-18
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