Commercialization Project Manager

Knoxville, TN 37950

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Mechanical Engineering Job Number: 58144783 Compensation: $145700 / year

Job Description

Job Title: Commercialization Project Manager
Location: Knoxville, TN
Hire Type: Direct Hire, Onsite
Target Compensation: $145,000 base salary + annual bonus
Travel: Est. 10–20% (mostly local)
Benefits: Full employee benefits, company-funded pension plan, relocation assistance
 
Job Summary:
Sterling Engineering is partnering with Bush Brothers & Company to hire a Commercialization Project Manager to lead new product commercialization projects from concept through market launch. This role serves as the project leader for cross-functional teams responsible for bringing new products from development into full-scale manufacturing. You'll manage the entire product lifecycle, partnering with Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, and Sales to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and ready for successful launch. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced project manager who enjoys leading complex initiatives, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating across multiple business functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
 
Must Have Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical discipline
  • 8+ years of project management and product commercialization experience within manufacturing
  • Experience leading New Product Introduction (NPI) or commercialization projects from concept through launch
  • Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills
  • Experience with Stage-Gate product development processes
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Project or similar project management software
  • Preferred:
  • Food & Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing experience
 
Job Duties:
  • Lead cross-functional commercialization projects through the full product lifecycle, from concept development to commercial launch.
  • Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and critical path activities.
  • Coordinate Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, and Sales teams to ensure project success.
  • Drive manufacturing readiness, pilot production, process scale-up, and production launch activities.
  • Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and resolve issues that impact project timelines or objectives.
  • Facilitate Stage-Gate reviews and communicate project status to leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure successful knowledge transfer and operational readiness.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen commercialization processes and project execution.
  • Travel 10–20% to manufacturing facilities as needed.
 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, or related technical field (required)
  • 8+ years of experience in project management, commercialization, engineering, or manufacturing
  • Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional projects in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, commercialization, and product launch processes
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred
  • PMP certification
  • Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement certification


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

John McMahon

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. 

 As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

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About Knoxville, TN

Ready to embrace new job opportunities in the vibrant area around Knoxville, Tennessee? Nestled in the eastern part of the Volunteer State, Knoxville offers a unique blend of Southern charm, scenic beauty, and exciting growth prospects for job seekers. From the iconic Sunsphere to the bustling Market Square, this region is brimming with historic landmarks, art galleries, theaters, and delicious Southern cuisine. Home to the beloved University of Tennessee Volunteers, as well as numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas along the Tennessee River, Knoxville provides the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling career and an enriching lifestyle. Explore our job listings now and discover why Knoxville is the perfect place to take your career to the next level!