Commercialization Project Manager

LaSalle Network has partnered with a major global candy company headquartered in Chicago that is seeking an International Commercialization Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of international commercialization projects. This is a highly cross-functional and globally integrated role that supports the company’s strategic efforts to eliminate artificial coloring from its candy products. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of global formulations and ingredient regulations, and be comfortable navigating the challenges of ingredient acceptability across different international markets. 

In this role, you will lead international cross-functional teams and be expected to work across time zones, which may include meetings outside of traditional business hours. The scope of projects includes Line Extensions, Packaging Updates, Productivity Improvements, and Manufacturing Network Changes with a strong emphasis on clean label reformulations. 
 

International Commercialization Project Manager Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage global cross-functional project teams to deliver commercialization initiatives including clean label transitions, line extensions, packaging changes, and productivity projects 

• Collaborate closely with internal partners such as Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D, Procurement, and Packaging Engineering to align on regional and global objectives 

• Ensure successful integration of reformulated products that remove artificial coloring while accounting for regulatory and consumer acceptance differences across markets 

• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, managing international timelines, risks, and opportunities to support global alignment 

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership, highlighting global progress and challenges, and recommend corrective actions when needed 

• Drive accountability across global teams to ensure timely delivery of project milestones 

• Manage priorities and resources effectively across international regions while accommodating different time zones and work cultures 

• Actively contribute to the Stage Gate process and promote improvements tailored to global project management efficiency 

• Make data-driven go/no-go recommendations on product initiatives, with a focus on regulatory feasibility and global viability 

• Juggle multiple concurrent projects and deadlines while remaining responsive to market needs and ingredient limitations 
   

International Commercialization Project Manager Requirements: 

• 5+ years of experience in project management within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, preferably in global commercialization or new product development (NPD) 

• Experience leading global teams and managing projects requiring coordination across multiple time zones 

• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration skills 

• Deep understanding of clean label trends and regulatory considerations related to artificial coloring and other food ingredients 

• Experience managing multi-disciplinary projects in a fast-paced environment 

• Proficiency with Stage Gate or equivalent product development methodologies 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent work experience) 

• Flexibility to participate in meetings outside of regular business hours due to international team collaboration 
   

This is a contract opportunity, will last until the end of 2026, and the hourly rate is $60-70/hr. Candidate must be willing to come onsite to Chicago 3 days every week.  

If you have the experience listed above and are looking for a great opportunity with an established employer, this role is for you. If you are interested in learning more, please apply today! 

Thank you, 

Emily Burkhardt 

Sr. Recruiter – Technology Services 

LaSalle Network 

 

LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v. 

LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Marketing, Technology, Supply chain, Healthcare Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search. LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries.? 

LaSalle Network is the premier staffing and recruiting firm, earning over 100 culture, revenue and industry-based awards from major publications and having its company experts regularly contribute insights on retention strategies, hiring trends and hiring challenges, and more to national news outlets. LaSalle Network offers temporary Field Employees benefit plans including medical, dental and vision coverage. Family Medical Leave, Worker’s compensation, Paid Leave and Sick Leave are also provided.  

View a full list of our benefits here: https://www.thelasallenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Field-Employee-Benefits-LaSalle-Network.pdf 
LNPW