https://alumnijobs.cofc.edu Latest ALUMNI CAREER CENTER Jobs Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:17:58 Z https://alumnijobs.cofc.edu/jobs/rss/22182150/commercialization-project-manager https://alumnijobs.cofc.edu/jobs/rss/22182150/commercialization-project-manager Chicago, Illinois, Position Description: The Commercialization Project Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional execution of product and process commercialization initiatives, ensuring a disciplined transition from development to full-scale manufacturing and market launch. This role owns timelines, deliverables, and readiness across R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to deliver launches that are on time, on cost, and operationally sound. The Commercialization Project Manager serves as the single point of accountability for launch execution, managing risk, alignment, and communication throughout the commercialization lifecycle. Primary Responsibilities: Commercialization Execution & Project Management: Lead end-to-end commercialization projects from late-stage development through first production and post-launch stabilization. Develop and maintain detailed commercialization project plans, timelines, and milestone tracking. Coordinate cross-functional activities to ensure manufacturing, supply chain, quality, regulatory, and commercial readiness. Identify risks, gaps, and dependencies early; drive mitigation plans and escalate issues as needed. Facilitate regular project meetings, status updates, and launch readiness reviews. Support post-launch performance monitoring, issue resolution, and stabilization activities. Drive continuous improvement by capturing commercialization learnings and best practices. Cross-Functional Coordination: Serve as the primary liaison between cross functional teams (Marketing, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Finance) to ensure project alignment and successful execution on time and on budget. Supports strong Master Data Management - maintaining integrity through setup and change management processes for formulas, specifications, ingredients, process instructions, product detail, and technical data sheets. [LC1]   Ensure alignment on scope, assumptions, responsibilities, and deliverables across all functions. Drive decision-making by preparing clear options, impacts, and trade-offs for stakeholders. Ensure smooth handoff from R&D to Operations with clear ownership and documentation. Coordinate sending samples to customers and potential customers, ensuring a great first impression of our products. Manufacturing & Scale-Up Readiness: Coordinate line trials, scale-up activities, and first production runs in partnership with R&D and Operations. Ensure production processes, work instructions, and training plans are completed and approved prior to launch. Confirm equipment readiness, capacity availability, and material supply for commercialization. Support issue resolution during trials and initial production, ensuring lessons learned are captured. Quality, Regulatory & Documentation: Create and ensure completeness of GS1 data standards, included but not limited to product specifications, item codes, UPC and barcode creation and compliance, and raw material to WIP stage through finished good labels Ensure all required documentation is completed, reviewed, and approved prior to launch, including: Specifications and formulas Work instructions and SOPs Quality plans and validation requirements Regulatory and labeling approvals (as applicable) Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance throughout commercialization. Support internal and external audits related to new product launches. Supervisory/Management Responsibilities: N/A Competencies: Execution Excellence:  Drives projects to completion with discipline and urgency. Cross-Functional Leadership :   Influences without authority and aligns diverse stakeholders. Problem Solving :   Maintains focus and structure in ambiguous or high-pressure situations. Accountability :  Owns outcomes and follows through on commitments. Forward Thinking:  The ability to anticipate the implications and consequences of a situation and take appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies. Action Orientation:  Maintaining a sense of urgency to complete a task. Seeks information rather than waiting for it. Communication:  The ability to give and gather information and actively manage the communication process by asking questions, conveying complex information in plain language, listening and considering others’ views, state own views clearly and concisely, and address conflict in a professional and productive manner.   Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field. PMP or other project management certification a plus 5+ years of experience in project management, commercialization, operations, or manufacturing environments. Proven track record managing cross-functional innovation or new product development (NPD) projects from concept through commercialization. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, scale-up, and operational constraints. Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Strong working knowledge of office productivity software, collaborative project management tools (Teams, Sharepoint, etc) Benefits for this role include: Medical, vision, dental, discretionary bonus up to 15% (50% personal performance based & 50% company performance), 401(k) with matching up to a max of 4% and 120 hours PTO in the 1st 12 months. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:46:55 -0400 https://alumnijobs.cofc.edu/jobs/rss/22182140/director-fsqa https://alumnijobs.cofc.edu/jobs/rss/22182140/director-fsqa Chicago, Illinois, Position Description: The Director Food Safety and QA will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership for the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) department at South Chicago Packing.  This position is responsible for analyzing, updating, managing, and continuously improving quality, food safety, and analytical programs across the business.  Key responsibilities include leading the hiring, development, and performance management of the FSQA team, as well as managing the department’s budget and expenditures.  The role will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify and implement quality improvements across products and processes.  Additionally, this position will serve as the primary liaison for external quality counterparts at customer and supplier organizations and regulatory agencies, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and issue resolution.   Primary Responsibilities: Serve as the site food safety leader. Provide direction and technical leadership in the development and implementation of quality systems to ensure compliance with corporate policies, GFSI standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. Identify opportunities and lead initiatives to improve quality programs, systems, and processes. Coach, mentor, and support team members to develop a high-performing, technically skilled FSQA team. Oversee compliance of offsite warehouses to specifications and requirements; conduct audits and assessments as needed. Provide subject matter expertise on sanitation practices to drive effectiveness and operational efficiency. Ensure regulatory compliance through routine interaction with USDA inspectors and issue resolution. Direct in-process quality control activities, including testing of raw materials and finished goods. Monitor, track, and report FSQA performance through established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics. Provide functional QA leadership for facility initiatives and capital projects. Lead investigation and resolution of customer complaints, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Manage internal and external audits, ensuring compliance and timely closure of findings. Verify compliance with HACCP and food safety programs, including oversight of prerequisite programs. Review and make final disposition decisions on retained product and materials, ensuring procedures and documentation are properly executed. Monitor adherence to SOPs, manufacturing operating procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Deliver training and development programs to ensure QA personnel meet technical and compliance standards. Participate in internal product evaluation panels and support continuous improvement through product reviews. Support broader employee training initiatives related to food safety and quality system topics. Establish and manage departmental costs and expenditures in line with budgetary expectations. Perform additional duties as assigned in support of company and department goals.   Supervisory/Management Responsibilities: Provide direct oversight and leadership to the South Chicago Packing FSQA team. Lead staffing, onboarding, and talent development efforts within the department. Set clear expectations and performance standards while ensuring alignment with company policies and objectives. Actively participate in the Performance Management Process, including goal setting and development planning for team members. Represent the FSQA function in director-level meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making. Lead or support cross-functional and cross-departmental teams focused on process improvement and quality initiatives. Serve as a coach and mentor to junior QA professionals, supporting their technical and professional growth. Competencies: Leading Change:  Acting in a leadership position to envision the future of the organization and work towards achieving the desired future by setting goals, taking action, and effectively communicating with stakeholders. Holding self and others accountable for achieving the envisioned results despite challenge and adversity. Strategic Thinking:  Understand what the organization’s preferred future will be and put strategies into place to realize the organization’s vision. Look at issues and opportunities from a broad organizational perspective Building Common Purpose:   Works with colleagues and suppliers to achieve common goals by involving stakeholders to define problems or opportunities, identifying common issues and opportunities and creating win/win relationships. Makes sure the team or group goals align with those of the organization. Results Oriented:  Takes a dynamic approach to work characterized by initiating decisions and actions. Concentrating on achieving the outcomes of a process or project while adhering to the overall strategy of the organization. Creating a culture of accountability and performance. Able to withstand walking and standing Analytical Thinking:  Uses information from a qualitative and quantitative analyses to solve problems and make decisions. Able to see interconnections between organizational systems that others miss.     R equirements: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field. 7-10 years of progressive experience in quality assurance and food processing, including prior management experience. In-depth knowledge of USDA/FDA regulations, GFSI standards, and industry best practices. HACCP and PCQI certification required. Proficiency in computer applications and software tools relevant to quality assurance and reporting. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively. Proven decision-making ability, with a track record of making independent, sound judgments in challenging situations. Benefits for this role include: Medical, vision, dental, discretionary bonus up to 30% (50% personal performance based & 50% company performance), 401(k) with matching up to a max of 4% and 200 hours PTO in the 1st 12 months. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:36:19 -0400