at Dairy Farmers of America in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Facilitate the execution of projects within specific brands/categories, including but not limited to innovation initiatives and/or capital and cost out initiatives. As a project leader, coordinate with cross functional parties, including relevant brand stewards in Marketing, R&D, Sales, Finance, and Operations within our plant, co-manufacturing and distribution network to ensure timely completion of all tasks required to support new product launches. Coordinate customer-related tasks and analysis reporting to field sales, trade marketing, finance, customer service, master data, and marketing for the Consumer Brands Division of DFA.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Coordinate commercialization efforts from conception to shelf for the butter, cheese, and Hard Grated Italian cheese businesses
Collaborate closely with sales and marketing to execute on sales and distribution strategy
Review project timelines regularly with the project team, insuring milestones are met
Identify issues, risks, or actions that may need to interface with non-agile portions of the company
Own supply chain readiness to support commercialization activity
Initiate the finished good master data setup and facilitate communication of completed information to all collaborators so all information systems can be accurately set up to produce, ship, sell, and invoice our products
Use tools that prepare the supply chain and manufacturing facilities for successful start-ups for both growth and exploratory work on production and logistics costs
Own the initial production and shipment planning and execution processes for new initiatives (new products, product line extensions, new customers, new geographies)
Support continuous improvement of the commercialization process through collaboration with key stakeholders and sharing of best practices
Manage all aspects of DataSync/1World Sync/GS1 (for Consumer Brands Cheese/Butter, Ingredients Food Service Cheese/Butter and Branded Beverages), including, but not limited to, new item set-up (dimensions, nutrition, imaging), publishing and maintenance (e.g. UPCs, GTINs, etc.), and any new customer portals or third-party vendor sites. Complete training and research the increased requirements and global governance.
Maintain the Product Spec Sheet and Master Price List; work closely with General Managers, R&D, customer service and trade to ensure its accuracy
Effectively work with cross-functional partners to manage all aspects of projects related to Private Label butter, including but not limited to packaging development, SKU set up and launch activities
Be the cross-functional liaison for new and updated customer requirements and requests
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.
Bachelor's degree
2 to 5 years of network supply chain, project management, or related experience
New product launch/commercialization experience, including understanding the new product development process
Strong knowledge of US retailer network and management of warehouse distributed CPG products
Understanding of manufacturing and distribution processes
Excel proficiency including experience with data manipulations (lookups, pivot tables, external data connections)
Certification and/or License - Project Management Certification (PMP) or APICS certification preferred
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of US retailer network and management of warehouse distributed CPG products
Understanding of manufacturing and distribution processes
Able to manage projects and keep them on task and on-time
Able to organize resources and analyze alternatives to make effective decisions
Interpersonal and facilitation skills, including the ability to influence change
Able to establish and manage effective relationships with internal staff and external customers, business partners, and vendors
Able to communicate effectively with employees and customers at various levels, including persuasive communication
Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
Able to read, write, and speak English
An Equal Opportunity Employer
EEO/AA/Female/Minority/Disabled/Veteran
