Commercialization Project Manager

Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy! We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each and every day. At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you'll join us!

Compensation: The target salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000 annually, consistent with our internal compensation framework. This position is classified as a Grade 14, with a full pay range of $75,571.03 to $113,468.46. You are eligible for an incentive bonus up to 5% of your annual salary, prorated based on your start date. Final pay will be determined by experience, skills, internal equity, and available budget.

What We're Seeking

This individual contributor will be responsible for managing the E.A. Sween Stage Gate process from beginning to end, partnering with cross-functional teams to effectively support key company initiatives, including product innovation, cost savings projects and productivity programs.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

• Project Management




• Lead adherence to company's Stage Gate process.
• Manage projects for approved products, developing project schedules and timelines, managing issues and risks, developing and executing plans and leading project team meetings across a variety of project types.
• Ensure projects are kept on track throughout all stages and gates, utilizing experience to get projects back on the established timeline when issues arise.
• Successfully balance and prioritize 20+ projects on parallel paths




• Reporting and Analysis




• Regularly share overall project status, risks, challenges and opportunities
• Establish tracking and measurement processes for management of Stage Gate process




• Leadership and Teamwork




• Work closely with internal marketing, R&D, operations and production teams to deliver business objectives.
• Build collaborative relationships with cross-functional partners
• Use data and information to influence and guide stakeholders
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to establish and communicate a clear timeline, with roles, responsibilities and accountabilities outlined for team members
• Identify issues and challenges and proactively develop solutions.




• Continuous Improvement




• Drive Customer and Employee Success by seeking opportunities for improvement.
• Champion change and educate others throughout the organization
• Ensure that standard processes and tools are continually developed, adopted and improved.

What You'll Need (Qualifications)

• Bachelors Degree in Business, Computer Science or related technical field required (Food Science, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain)
• 3+ years direct experience in Project Management
• Strong knowledge of Stage Gate processes
• Proven track record of working cross-functionally in a team-based environment
• A consistent track record of delivering projects on time and within scope.
• Experience in developing and delivering presentations to management and other internal groups.
• Advanced level computer aptitude in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and project management software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills, including general business process and management
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, identify risks and challenges, problem solve and manage timelines, while keeping projects on track from beginning to end
• Proven professional verbal and written communication skills.

• Preferred Qualifications: PMP Certification and/or new product development and commercialization experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Generally, an office/desk position using a computer and telephone
• Hybrid Schedule: Three days in office and two days remote, based on business needs
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Must be able to work occasional extra hours
• Must be able to work on/direct multiple projects at one time without direct supervision and be able to handle deadlines, confidential information and interruptions in the work process
• Must be able to multi-task, handle deadlines and confidential information
• Must be able to work well with various levels of employees, cross-functional team members and diverse cultures.

How You'll Find Success at EAS

• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.
• Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.
• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing And Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what's right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do!: Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.