Commercialization Manager

About Imbibe

Imbibe is a dynamic, high-growth food and beverage development company based in Niles, Illinois. We specialize in developing, creating, and manufacturing beverage flavors, ingredient systems, and finished food and beverage products. Our mission is to design ingredients with impact for the food and beverage industry.

Since our founding in 1963, Imbibe has been at the forefront of flavor innovation and product development. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including full product development, taste modulation, and finished product solutions. Our state-of-the-art campus features an Innovation Center and Pilot Plant that enable us to tackle industry-wide taste and texture challenges, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products.

At Imbibe, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement. Our values of collaboration, accountability, and entrepreneurship drive us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We also believe in giving back to the community. Through various initiatives we support efforts to combat food insecurity in the Chicagoland area by donating ingredients and our time.

If you're passionate about the food and beverage industry and eager to make a meaningful impact, Imbibe is the place for you. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Summary of Position

The Commercialization Project Manager leads the execution of product and process launches across cross-functional teams, ensuring projects move from concept to reality with clarity, efficiency, and precision. This individual is responsible for managing timelines, coordinating with internal and external partners, and driving results through thoughtful planning and proactive problem-solving. They are a clear communicator, an organized project driver, and a collaborative leader who builds trust through accountability and follow-through. With a strong understanding of manufacturing environments and a mindset rooted in continuous improvement, they navigate challenges with composure and curiosity, always working to make things better.

Essential Job Duties

Communication

• Keep teams aligned with clear, respectful, and concise communication.
• Provide timely updates and insight-driven reports that support decisions and keep stakeholders engaged.
• Document findings, decisions, and timelines proactively—you own the follow-through.

Leadership

• Guide projects and people through influence, not authority—your mindset and actions inspire trust and cooperation.
• Navigate setbacks with a forward-looking approach and a solutions-first attitude.
• Uplift your team and partners—progress matters more than credit.

Management

• Drive turnkey project execution, making sure things get done on time, the right way.
• Anticipate risks and challenges before they become problems—you think ahead.
• Maintain strong, productive relationships with contract manufacturing partners.
• Constantly look for ways to improve how we work—you don’t wait to be told what needs fixing

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years in project management, operations, or manufacturing roles
• 3+ years troubleshooting and supporting within a manufacturing environment
• Track record of supporting complex, fast-moving projects to success
• High emotional intelligence—you handle pressure without losing composure
• Skilled multitasker with sharp decision-making abilities
• Analytical thinker with a natural curiosity for solving problems
• High level of adaptability and resilience must be comfortable shifting between controlled office setting and the unpredictable nature of travel, and demanding conditions of manufacturing facilities.

Working Conditions

• Office setting which would hold regular office hours
• Travel up to 50%, visit to client sites, contract manufacturers and other locations. Domestic and international, require the adaptability to different time zones and cultural environments
• Variable work environment: temperature, working hours, requirement for PPE, occasionally involve physical activity which includes but not limited to walking through large production areas, climbing stairs or standing for extended periods while overseeing operations or troubleshooting issues on the manufacturing floor

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range listed represents the expected earnings for this role. The low end of the range reflects the starting salary for candidates with less experience or qualifications that meet the basic requirements for the position. The high end of the range reflects potential earnings for candidates with extensive experience, specialized skills, or qualifications above the standard requirements for the role.

Imbibe supports employee well-being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care
• 401k retirement plan with company contribution and match
• FSA and HSA account
• Generous company holidays, PTO, and sick time
• Onsite gym and wellness opportunities 
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Learning and professional development opportunities