Commercialization Project Manager (FMCG)

The Commercialization Project Manager is responsible for driving the successful end-to-end commercialization of new product launches, product changes, and business-as-usual (BAU) initiatives. This role serves as the key link between Commercial, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, and external partners to ensure products are delivered efficiently, on schedule, and in accordance with business requirements.

The role oversees commercialization planning, production readiness, material availability, launch execution, and post-launch evaluation while identifying opportunities to improve processes, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and accelerate speed-to-market.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Commercialization & Project Management

• Lead the end-to-end commercialization process for new product launches, product modifications, packaging changes, and other business initiatives.
• Conduct supportability assessments and evaluate operational readiness in collaboration with Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, and external suppliers.
• Develop and manage commercialization plans, timelines, milestones, risks, and dependencies to ensure successful project execution.
• Coordinate raw materials, packaging materials, artwork development, regulatory approvals, production requirements, and supplier readiness.
• Monitor production readiness activities, including line trials, commissioning, validation runs, and commercial production deployment.
• Identify and proactively address potential supply, production, or execution risks that may impact launch timelines.
• Provide regular project updates, status reports, and risk assessments to stakeholders and leadership teams.

Production Readiness & Launch Execution

• Ensure materials, equipment, manufacturing capabilities, and supplier requirements are aligned with project timelines.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve readiness across the entire product launch process.
• Support inventory planning, production scheduling, and deployment activities to meet commercial launch objectives.
• Facilitate issue resolution and decision-making during critical phases of project execution.
• Drive successful market launches through effective coordination and execution management.

Business Planning & Demand Alignment

• Support annual and periodic business planning activities by providing commercialization inputs and operational feasibility assessments.
• Review volume assumptions, demand forecasts, and launch requirements to ensure alignment with production and supply capabilities.
• Recommend adjustments to launch timing, allocation strategies, production plans, and inventory levels based on operational readiness and business priorities.
• Ensure approved commercialization plans are properly integrated into production and supply planning processes.

Post-Launch Evaluation

• Monitor launch performance and operational outcomes following commercialization.
• Assess forecast accuracy, inventory health, material utilization, and supply performance.
• Recommend actions related to inventory rebalancing, material replenishment, and production optimization.
• Capture learnings and best practices to strengthen future commercialization initiatives.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance commercialization efficiency, visibility, and execution effectiveness.
• Streamline workflows related to planning, approvals, material readiness, and cross-functional coordination.
• Develop reporting tools, governance practices, and performance metrics to support better decision-making.
• Foster strong collaboration among Commercial, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, and external partners to improve overall project delivery.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product commercialization, project management, supply chain, marketing operations, product launch management, or related functions.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects involving Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Marketing, and external suppliers.
• Strong understanding of product launch processes, production planning, material management, and operational readiness.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence across different levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement, operational excellence, or business transformation initiatives.
• Proficiency in project management tools, reporting systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience within FMCG, food and beverage, consumer goods, manufacturing, or related industries is highly preferred.