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 - $138k 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

Experience

• 5+ 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-up

• 1 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.