Operations Launch Manager

The Operations Launch Manager leads cross-functional food product and process projects from pre-launch through qualified production in a food manufacturing environment. This role combines strong food science expertise with disciplined project management to ensure products are safe, compliant, scalable, and delivered on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate bridges R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams while maintaining a strong understanding of food safety, formulation, and manufacturing constraints.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

NY Medina Job Type:Production Operations Job Posting

Title:

Operations Launch Manager

Job Description:

Schedule:

Hybrid office schedule with 60% + travel expectations

Work Location:

2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $93k - $158k annually with additional bonus potential

Project Management Lead pre-launch food projects through qualified production of product development, including new products, reformulations, line extensions, and process improvements

Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, ingredient and packaging inventory, and trial plans

Facilitate cross-functional project teams and maintain accountability for deliverables

Identify risks, develop mitigation plans, and escalate issues as needed

Communicate project status, milestones, and results to stakeholders and leadership

Food Science & Technical Leadership Provide technical guidance on formulation, ingredients, processing, and material expiration

Ensure products meet sensory, nutritional, regulatory, and food safety requirements

Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, and customer requirements

Support scale-up from bench to pilot to full production

Troubleshoot product or process issues during trials and commercialization

Manufacturing & Commercialization Collaborate with Operations to ensure manufacturability and cost targets are met Coordinate plant trials, including documentation, data collection, and outcomes

Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, efficiency, and waste reduction

Work with Procurement on ingredient sourcing and supplier qualifications

Documentation & Governance Maintain accurate project documentation, specifications, and change controls

Ensure stage-gate or project governance processes are followed

Capture lessons learned and support standardization best practices

Qualifications Education Bachelor ’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, or a related technical field required

Experience5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, R&D, or technical project management

Proven experience leading cross-functional projects in a manufacturing environment

Hands-on experience with product launch and scale-up1 year of Project Management experience and experience with new product or SKU launch is preferred

Continuous Improvement background is preferred

Technical Skills Strong understanding of food formulation, processing, and ingredient functionality

Knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, FSMA, GMPs)
Familiarity with regulatory and labeling requirements

Experience with sensory evaluation and shelf-life testing

Project Management Skills Strong planning, organization, and prioritization skills

Experience with stage-gate or formal project management methodologies

Proficient in project management and documentation tools

Key Competencies Cross-functional leadership and influence

Strong communication and stakeholder management

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Ability to translate technical details into actionable plans

Comfortable working in both lab and manufacturing floor environments

Physical &

Work Environment Requirements Ability to work in manufacturing environments, including exposure to noise, temperature variations, and food allergens

Ability to wear required PPE and stand/walk for extended periods during plant trials

Occasional travel to plants, suppliers, or customers as required

Preferred Certifications (Optional)
Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent

HACCP or PCQI certification

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr