Senior Commercialization Project Manager (Irvine, CA, US, 92618)

Position Summary:

Customer-facing commercialization leader leveraging supply chain and project management expertise to drive cost avoidance, lead cross‑functional execution, accelerate product commercialization, and enhance customer trust in Ventura as a reliable, strategic supply partner. Provide proactive supply chain assessments focused on driving efficiencies. Internal specialized translator, communicator and educator of national account (customers) needs to Ventura supply chain by understanding plant operations, capacity, capabilities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Drive Speed to Market:
Act as a critical team member supporting the Sales Project Commercialization System (PCS), helping to accelerate project delivery, provide guidance on complex initiatives, and drive speed-to-market execution excellence to enhance and improve the customer experience. Contribute as a center of excellence to execute projects and delivering optimal outcomes, including margin enhancement, cost optimization and customer initiatives. Actively participate in monthly PCS review meetings, pre-production handoff discussions, and customer-facing calls to provide subject-matter support and help ensure successful project execution. 

Center of Excellence Resource:
Provide subject matter expertise and serve as a center of excellence resource for the Sales team across Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.

1. Forecasting and Inventory Management
   • Provide expert oversight and support within the forecasting and inventory planning process to help ensure alignment between customer demand, supply capabilities, and contractual commitments.
   • Support The Sales Manager when needed in helping provide informed recommendations based on demand trends, supply constraints, and customer requirements.
   • Coordinate cross-functional efforts with Sales, Supply Chain, and Operations to manage the depletion of raw materials and finished goods associated with discontinued SKUs, minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
2. Limited Time Offer (LTO) Inventory Management

• • Provide subject-matter expertise in inventory planning for LTO customer commitments, including ramp-up planning and demand alignment with Operations, Demand & Supply Chain Planning teams, while helping coordinate these activities on behalf of the Sales Manager to support successful LTO launches. 

Lead Cost Savings Opportunities:

Proactively identify, communicate and help lead cost savings opportunities through strategic collaboration with Sales Manager, Customer and  internal stakeholders such as Supply Chain and Revenue Management.  

Crisis Management Support:

Proactively communicate with Sales and customers regarding anticipated disruptions or significant supply issues, including root cause and resolution plans. Lead overall crisis management communications for complex or high-impact supply situations and help train the National Account team on strategies to overcome them along with operational barriers. Present updates during monthly team meetings on process or system enhancements, supply changes, or operational updates that impact Sales Managers. 

Customer Account Support & Advocacy:

Ensure continuity  for customer  with communication, project execution, and overall support during transition periods. Act as the internal advocate and voice of the customer in cross-functional project discussions, ensuring customer priorities are represented in operational planning and decision-making. Partner with internal stakeholders to implement process improvements and enhancements that support customer success and operational efficiency.

Additional Responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years experience working in sales, marketing, Supply Chain, Project Management or customer service capacity, (preferably in food service/ retail foodservice industry), and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
   

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have excellent written and oral communication and collaboration skills, both internally and externally.
• Must have strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), CRM applications (Salesforce), and other business systems, including use on a laptop.
• Must possess strong time management, organizational, and multitasking skills, with the ability to meet short deadline constraints.
• Must demonstrate a proactive, resourceful, and adaptable work ethic, with the ability to work autonomously while evaluating and solving complex business issues.
• Requires strong critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and project management skills, along with an aptitude for investigation, research, and quick resolutions.
• Must have strong decision-making skills to meet deadlines and achieve successful results.