Project Commercialization Manager

Company Description

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is madecreating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique nutrient-dense ingredients. Today were a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments with distribution in over 30000 stores nationwide.

Now as part of Flowers Foods were entering an exciting new phase of growthexpanding our reach accelerating innovation and amplifying brand awareness all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether its watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers we craft our products with innovative wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company and has been featured in Vogue Forbes Womens Health and NPRs How I Built This. In 2024 Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at .

Role Description

Most people walk through a store and see products. You see deadlines manufacturing constraints artwork approvals ingredient lead times packaging specs and about 47 decisions that had to go exactly right for that product to land on shelf. And you love every minute of it.

Youre the person who gets excited when a product goes from concept to this is the one and the real work of bringing it to shelf begins. The person who understands that successful commercialization isnt luck its a disciplined process strong cross-functional partnership and relentless execution. You thrive at the intersection of Desirability Viability and Feasibility connecting business objectives with operational realities to bring products to life. You know how to guide teams through a structured stage-gate architecture align stakeholders around a common goal and maintain momentum from concept to shelf.

If youve ever heard This is going to be complicated and smiled youre our kind of person.

As a Project Commercialization Manager youll sit at the center of the action connecting teams driving execution and turning ideas into shelf-ready realities. The role spans graphics and compliance updates manufacturing site transitions capacity expansions innovation launches and other end-to-end commercialization efforts across the portfolio. While each project differs in scope the mission is consistent: lead teams through a disciplined process and deliver successful launches. This isnt a box-checking role. Youll build the roadmap align the right partners remove roadblocks and drive progress to the finish line. You bring structure to complexity urgency to milestones and clarity to decisionsensuring alignment from concept through launch. If variety energizes you complexity motivates you and seeing products hit shelves feels like winning we should talk.

Reporting to the Sr. Director Commercialization responsibilities include:

Lead End-to-End Project Execution

• Own commercialization projects from concept through launch across varying scopes timelines and risk profiles ensuring consistent accountability and delivery

• Build and manage integrated project plans in Microsoft Project; lead kickoffs to align scope governance and ways of working

• Lead large-scale network transformation initiatives including manufacturing or warehouse transitions ensuring continuity of supply operational readiness and minimal disruption to customers and stakeholders

• Orchestrate cross-functional execution across logistics manufacturing planning and systems to successfully migrate operations establish new capabilities and stabilize performance post-transition

• Conduct feasibility and risk assessments across technical supply operational packaging and manufacturing dimensions applying appropriate governance based on complexity

• Track milestones dependencies and critical path; proactively manage stakeholders to maintain momentum and deliverables

• Capture trade-offs risks and decision rationale to ensure alignment and timely resolution

• Prepare projects for stage-gate transitions partnering with the project teams to structure inputs through a Desirability Viability and Feasibility (DVF) lens

• Lead launch readiness and execution; conduct post-launch reviews to capture insights and strengthen future delivery.

Serve as the Central Connector

• Act as the integration point across R&D Manufacturing Supply Chain Quality Packaging Procurement Planning Customer Logistics Marketing and Sales
• Align cross-functional teams around a single integrated commercialization plan ensuring coordinated inputs decisions and handoffs
• Maintain clear real-time visibility on scope timelines risks and next steps across stakeholders
• Translate complex cross-functional activity into actionable project artifacts (plans trackers risk logs decision frameworks)
• Create clarity in ambiguous or fast-moving situations so teams can execute with confidence

Ground Plans in Operational Reality

• Ensure commercialization plans reflect true feasibility across product packaging manufacturing supply and systems readiness
• Apply working knowledge of how products are made (formulation processing packaging plant capabilities) to strengthen planning and decision-making
• Harness cross-functional expertise across all workstreams translating functional strengths into an integrated end-to-end project plan that drives readiness from development through launch

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to accelerate timelines simplify execution and reduce risk across commercialization processes
• Apply post-launch learnings to improve stage-gate discipline documentation quality and cross-functional effectiveness
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelors degree required
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercialization project management operations supply chain or manufacturing within CPG food/beverage or similar industries
• Proven experience leading projects from concept through launch including exposure to plant execution and manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of how products are made scaled and delivered in production settings
• Ability to translate technical and operational realities into clear actionable plans
• Highly organized with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams and priorities
• Resourceful proactive and solutions-oriented with a bias toward action and delivery
• Clear communicator who drives alignment decisions and execution across functions
• Low ego high ownership team-first mindset with a focus on delivering outcomes

What Sets You Apart

• You translate commercialization strategy into execution grounded in real manufacturing and supply chain realities
• You balance speed quality and feasibility to drive disciplined delivery from concept to shelf
• You are the person teams rely on to align work maintain momentum and deliver outcomes

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills were not just building a brand were leading a movement thats transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If youre passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard valued and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We dont just talk about doing good we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices responsible sourcing and making decisions that drive real positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship collaboration and your long-term success.
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training innovative learning platforms or career growth opportunities we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills youll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If youre ready to shape the future of food lets talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Thats why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being health and overall quality of life.

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $105000 to $120000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health financial and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest refocus and show up fullyour time off approach is built with that in mind.
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to innovation shipments we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

Were committed to taking care of our peopleso you can focus on making an impact.

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote hybrid or in-office positions each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• Remote working may be considered for qualified candidates from a designated locationin the United States(the new hires permanent residence as documented in our HR System Rippling) if willing and able to travel regularly to the Chicago office. Sufficient internet access to support video conferencingrequired.

At Simple Mills we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race color religion national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age past or present military service physical or mental disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need job requirements and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment please contact

Required Experience:

Manager