Commercialization Specialist

Position Summary

The Commercialization Specialist owns assigned new customer and product commercialization projects from approved concept through three consecutive commercial production runs within approved specifications and formal Quality + Operations handoff to routine Operations. Working within the Stage-Gate process, this role coordinates cross-functional requirements, project timelines, packaging and material readiness, customer samples, trials and first production to ensure products are ready for commercial launch.

The role works closely with Product Development, Quality & Food Safety, Operations, Procurement, Planning, Sales/Client Services, customers and suppliers to identify risks early and drive actions to closure. The role also serves as the trained technical backup for blended/batched product formulations, supporting business continuity when the primary Product Development resource is unavailable or additional technical coverage is required.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Brewing Science, Packaging, Business/Project Management or a related field is preferred.
• Relevant experience in food or beverage commercialization, new product development, manufacturing, technical project coordination or a similar role.
• Strong project management, organization, prioritization and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Practical understanding of manufacturing and experience working directly with production teams.
• Ability to understand product formulation, ingredients, process parameters, packaging and specification requirements and translate them into clear manufacturing actions.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work directly with customers, suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of GMP, food safety and quality systems.
• Beverage manufacturing, blending/batching, formulation, co-manufacturing and/or Stage-Gate experience is an asset.

Core Responsibilities:

• Own assigned commercialization projects from approved concept through three consecutive commercial production runs within approved specifications and formal Quality + Operations handoff to routine Operations.
• Own day-to-day execution of assigned projects through the Stage-Gate process, maintaining timelines, actions, risks, approvals and readiness requirements. The Head of Innovation retains ownership of Stage-Gate governance, gate progression and portfolio decisions.
• Coordinate customer and cross-functional requirements across Product Development, Quality & Food Safety, Operations, Procurement, Planning, Finance and Sales/Client Services.
• Coordinate Product Development deliverables, including final recipes, process parameters and technical requirements, and serve as the trained technical backup for established blended/batched formulations. This includes executing documented recipes, supporting formula adjustments, scale-up and troubleshooting when required, while Product Development retains primary ownership of formulation and final technical approval.
• Own packaging commercialization readiness, including item codes, SKUs, UPCs where applicable, specifications, case/pallet configurations, material readiness and resolution of packaging issues.
• Coordinate required customer, approval, trial and finished-product samples.
• Plan and coordinate product and packaging trials and support troubleshooting, scale-up and first commercial production.
• Confirm recipes, specifications, packaging, materials, quality requirements, customer approvals and manufacturing requirements are complete before launch.
• Identify and escalate risks that could affect timing, quality or launch readiness and drive outstanding actions to closure.
• Ensure final commercialization requirements, formulas, process parameters and decisions are documented to support operational handover, technical backup coverage and post-launch reviews.

Working Conditions:

This is a hands-on role requiring regular time on the production floor, particularly during trials, scale-up and first productions.

The position will work from both company manufacturing locations as required. Flexibility in working hours may be required to support trials and first productions outside normal business hours.

Pay: $70,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience in food or beverage commercialization, new product development, manufacturing, or a similar role?
• Do you have experience coordinating product trials, scale-ups, or commercial production runs?
• Do you have experience working with product formulations, ingredients, process parameters, packaging, or product specifications?

Work Location: In person