Product Commercialization Manager

Purpose of the job

To manage all the processes of projects ‘from idea to market’ together with the project owners (= Marketing Managers) with the necessary guidance and support across all functions in order to deliver the projects on time, within quality, cost and set targets of each project.

Key Accountabilities

Project Process Management

Manage and support the cross-functional processes from preparation of the Product Development brief by the Marketing team member, to identifying project milestones and alignments, and challenging the feedback, design, cost, timings and feasibility where appropriate during the various stages of ‘project development’ and ‘project execution’. All these steps are necessary to ensure timely submission of needed documents and action Project Alignment Meetings and Teleconferences. Produce and update the Innovation Funnel for management meetings.

Tracking & Communication

Review project status and bring challenges to the notice of the project team/ key stake holders on a regular basis and in a timely manner. Lead discussions on actions, updates, review priorities and facilitate the resolution of issues. Issue minutes of meetings, highlighting next steps, timing and which member is responsible for next action. Manage project’s post evaluation including data collection with involved functions (e.g. Supply Chain, Sales and Marketing) to prepare and share learnings with Management.

Reporting

Monitor product portfolio and propose portfolio tail management actions to Marketing teams. Control data accuracy in the company’s system through projects status check and system cleaning when appropriate. Track timely project delivery and report project workload to Head of Marketing.

Finished Goods Master Data Management

Initiate and manage Finished Goods data in the system and manage all stakeholders through master data for all innovations and project related code changes.

Packaging Artwork Management

Lead design-to-print process with cross-functional stakeholders. Identify and report variances in aligned/ budgeted project cost versus actuals. Facilitate the dialogue to find solutions from within the project team.

Relationship Management

Communicate and brief the manufacturing team, the internal team and other key interfaces on the Project Plans, the timelines, Product Change objectives and the targets and Product Change processes. Resolve cross-departmental/ functional issues by implementing new projects in a proactive manner, and promoting and supporting team based approach wherever possible.

Operating Environment

Primary customers are the Marketing team members, however, there will be interaction with colleagues from other functions within the company as well as interactions with external suppliers of various services and products.

Management of projects within a category requires extensive influence across many functions.  Strong relationships and effective partnerships with all internal functions (Marketing, Sales, Finance, & Supply Chain) are instrumental to success. Projects can differ in types and complexity levels (e.g. NPDs, Line extension, Renovation, Margin improvement)

Job Requirements

• Educational level: Minimum Bachelor’s degree, preference for a Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering, Food Technology or Chemistry
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in FMCG industry of which minimum 5 years in a multinational FMCG company working in a comparable function (often called Product Commercialization Manager, Product Change Manager,…)
• Proven cross functional and on time project management experience with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to work under pressure on various projects at a time and manage deadlines
• Strong computer skills (including Excel & PowerPoint) in order to report and follow-up accordingly
• Practical and can do mentality
• Knowledgeable with finance; can read and understand (financial) data
• Languages: fluent in English (Arabic is a plus)
  
  

Job Requirements

• Educational level: Minimum Bachelor’s degree, preference for a Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Engineering, Food Technology or Chemistry
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in FMCG industry of which minimum 5 years in a multinational FMCG company working in a comparable function (often called Product Commercialization Manager, Product Change Manager,…)
• Proven cross functional and on time project management experience with internal and external stakeholders
• Able to work under pressure on various projects at a time and manage deadlines
• Strong computer skills (including Excel & PowerPoint) in order to report and follow-up accordingly
• Practical and can do mentality
• Knowledgeable with finance; can read and understand (financial) data
• Languages: fluent in English (Arabic is a plus)

Job Competencies

• Well-developed analytical skills
• Excellent and effective communication skills: verbal, drafting, reporting and presenting
• Well-developed influencing & interpersonal skills
• Well-developed organizational skills
• Organized, structured and sets priorities
• Cooperative and flexible: adapts easily with different cultures and work environment
• Drive for excellence
• Commitment to strong work ethics, integrity and honesty