Director, Commercialization

Director, Commercialization

Location : Atlanta, GA; with the ability to travel to manufacturing plants and co-packers Travel : Averages 50% travel within the US

Job Summary :

The Director, Commercialization is the technical leader for processing new products, reformulations, and new production technologies. Provide technical leadership throughout the development and commercialization of processes and products. Support product development by informing teams of existing system capabilities and identifying requirements for new product types where capability does not exist. Bring together all technical resources required to fully develop and commercialize a process or product, including but not limited to quality, microbiology, engineering, packaging development, commercialization, and manufacturing. Provide subject matter expertise for all types of product processing. Lead the commercialization of new processing types, new products, and reformulations of existing products. Function as the technical project leader for all commercialization activities, ensuring successful project completion. Provide technical expertise to marketing, quality, and technical functions, manufacturing facilities, bottlers, contract manufacturers, and other production partners on production and product-related issues. Provide continual technical support for existing product lines. Recommend and decide on production methodologies for new, reformulated products, and emerging technologies. Represent senior management when appropriate. Develop and design process requirements for existing and new products. Review and assess blending, filling, and process designs. Design, develop, conduct, and / or review experiments (e.g., laboratory or process experiments) to deliver new products; evaluate ingredient, product, or packaging safety, efficacy or claims; or assess new ingredients, materials, products, or processes. Write detailed and accurate reports for analyses, experiments, or projects (e.g., equipment validation, evaluation of new processes). Act as scientific, regulatory, technical, or quality expert and consultant by responding to targeted questions from other departments / business units and providing support to manufacturing facilities, co-packers, bottlers, and customers. Serve as a resource for general technical information and act as a consultant for other technical personnel in the company. Capture information, assess it, and make recommendations to company management or the broader system regarding emerging business opportunities, technology capabilities, or scientific breakthroughs to offer solutions to technical problems and / or influence strategic direction. Create internal communication materials (e.g., memos, reports / updates, newsletters, web-based content) to provide information on departmental activities, project progress, issues or concerns, and best practices. Proactively inform leadership about scientific / technical developments (including environmental issues and methodology-related information) of potential interest or concern to enhance business strategies. Determine training needs, develop tools and communication aids, and / or provide training to company, supplier, and manufacturing personnel to ensure the appropriate level of knowledge is transferred to enable effective implementation of quality initiatives. Schedule or attend pre-commercialization test runs to ensure production capability. Transfer technology to deliver a solid business case (e.g., updated documentation, design package, distribution path, intellectual property) for commercialization. Prepare documentation (e.g., project proposal, strategic project brief, project charter, project scope, product specifications) in order to define projects, establish expectations, and gain stakeholder support. Generate, document, and execute a plan to select and / or develop technology (e.g., packaging, tools, processes, equipment, product(s)), including managing the change control process, to meet specific project objectives (e.g., improve quality, deliver new products, optimize processes).

Qualifications and Experience :

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field required; Master's or Ph.D. a plus. Requires 10+ years of experience working for a manufacturer, bottler, or ingredient / technology supplier in food, beverage, or related industries. Experience leading cross-functional project teams to facilitate product commercialization, commercialization processes, or resolve product-related issues.

Functional Knowledge :

Expert knowledge in process technology and the ability to develop design and operating standards for manufacturing. Expert knowledge of product commercialization processes across multiple product categories. Strong understanding of complex product systems as they relate to production in either carbonated or non-carbonated formats. Knowledge and experience with processing technologies, food hygiene, and microbiology, including the ability to assess product safety risks related to processing. Understanding of manufacturing processes associated with various product types, including beverages, concentrates, syrups, and other processed goods. Familiarity with commercialization systems and the ability to train others on operational tools / platforms. Some background in product development or a deep understanding of the end-to-end commercialization process strongly preferred.

Skills :

Product Development; Chemistry; Continual Improvement Process; Environmental Science; Microbiological Test; Waterfall Model; Food Sciences; Food Technology; Communication; Food Safety and Sanitation; Laboratory Testing; Data Compilation; Quality Control (QC); Green Solutions; Sensory Testing; Research and Development Operations (Inactive)

The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States. Pay Range : $149,000 - $173,000 Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and / or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.