Commericialization Manager

Purpose Statement

The Commercialization Manager acts as Operations and/or QA resource for all approved Tier 1 and Tier 2 New Product Development and Product Maintenance projects at the plant.  Focuses additional efforts on achievement of plant performance metrics through continuous improvement and Lean techniques.  At our Niles, IL facility has proudly served as a cornerstone of Rich’s for over 30 years, specializing in Toppings, Creams, and Culinary Solutions (TCCS). Though compact at just 2 acres, this 24/7, 365-day operation punches well above its weight—driving innovation and consistency across our frozen non-dairy portfolio. With five rotating shifts and a non-union workforce, our plant thrives on ownership, agility, and cross-functional excellence.  

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

• Serves as a key member of the plant’s Steering Team and works with team to provide a safe and efficient operation of the plant within the guidelines established by Rich Products and all governmental laws and regulations to include all food safety programs and auditing processes
• Acts as primary point of contact for Operations, Quality, Engineering and R&D as related to NPD and PMP project work
• Participates in weekly NPD and PMP project team meetings as assigned
• Partners with Plant Manager to track overall resource supply and demand for NPD and PMP projects
• Communicates project updates to plant team on a weekly basis; seeks input and assistance from plant Operations, QA, Maintenance and Engineering as needed
• Coordinates pre-trial plant work for Tier 1 projects including systems work (Optiva, QAD, SCADA, SAP), scheduling, materials acquisition, Associate support and internal pre-trial meetings
• Coordinates plant trial execution for Tier 1 projects, including plant trial supervision, internal resource support, data collection, process capability analyses, sample collection and product disposition
• Coordinates post-trial plant work for Tier 1 projects, including systems work (Optiva, QAD, SCADA, SAP), development of SOP’s, Associate training and tracking/report-out of financials
• Supports Tier 2 through scheduling/coordination
• Participates in weekly T&I NPD Cross-functional Review and T&I Project Discussion meetings
• Assists with trial work at other Non-Dairy facilities as needed
• Responsible for driving Continuous Improvement projects (Lean, Process Improvement Teams, Associate Technical Training, etc.) within the plant as they contribute to the achievement of plant metrics
• Participate in and lead Total Productive Manufacturing (TPM) initiatives, including expansion events with plant teams. 
• Prepare and communicate post trial reports that cover the trials to Plant
• Personnel, Global Procurement, Marketing, R & D, and other groups at the Corporate Level
• Support several projects from a Process Engineering standpoint
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• BA/BS degree in Business, Supply Chain Operations, Food Science, Engineering or related field.
• At least 3 years management experience in a food-processing, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing organization, preferably using computerized manufacturing equipment and CMMS.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Demonstrated knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include product and Associate safety, OSHA standards, product quality (success rates), and cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems
• Proficient using MS Office, some MRP(QAD) software and ERP(SAP) for communication, calculation and presentation.  SCADA, CMMS, and MMI understanding and capabilities.
•  Experience and knowledge in LEAN specifically Value Stream mapping, Six S, and Kaizen. Black belt certification or ability to obtain within specified period of time.
• Demonstrated experience in TQM and Associate Involvement programs.
• Demonstrated ability in Project Management procedures.
• Superior communication skills, both oral and written; High volume of phone calls, conference calls, face-to-face meeting, e-mail, etc will be required.
  
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