The Associate Director of Commercialization leads our company’s ingredient product development, product evaluation, commercialization, and supplier onboarding. Your team is a key growth driver for the company that also protects our customers by ensuring that all of our products and suppliers meet consistent standards. We are looking for a data-driven product commercialization expert with deep experience in product innovation, who is interested in leading the discovery and launch of new ingredients. You will be responsible for identifying and implementing best practices in sensory evaluation, specification development, and supplier master data management, while accelerating our speed to market and increasing strategic collaboration with our suppliers. 

You’ll work closely with our recipe development and brand teams to drive growth and product innovation and will lead a team with strong culinary and food science expertise. You are a hands-on leader who is experienced with driving change across an organization, with a focus on impact and action.

You will …

• Work closely with culinary and brand teams to develop a new ingredient roadmap that drives menu innovation
• Work closely with the sourcing team to develop a roadmap of new ingredients and suppliers to qualify in support of supplier diversification 
• Lead the evaluation, commercialization, and launch of products from new and existing suppliers, developing product validation processes that address varying levels of supplier risk and impact 
• Develop new products jointly with suppliers to accelerate our ingredient roadmap
• Develop and manage supplier sensory scorecards, specifications, and supplier on-boarding requirements, collaborating closely with our culinary, data science, food safety, and quality teams
• Maintain the master data repository for supplier and ingredient data and specifications
• Cultivate a high performing team and be equally comfortable developing and leading culinary and data-focused teams

You are… 

• Someone with a clear understanding of product development and commercialization best practices in the food industry
• A creative problem solver who is able to build effective relationships with cross-functional partners
• Data-driven decision maker who is passionate about bringing that mentality to their team
• A strong leader with a proven track record of managing diverse teams
• Detail-oriented – You possess strong organizational skills and consistently demonstrate a methodical approach to all your work
• A self-starter – You are highly motivated and passionate; you’re eager to take on new projects without knowing exactly what you will uncover
• Agile – You thrive in fast-paced and dynamic environments and are willing to get deep into the weeds where needed
• A strong communicator who can easily communicate complex solutions cross functionally and to upper management

You have… 

• Total of 8+ years of experience in food or beverage research and development
• An advanced degree in food science or a related field is required
• A successful track record of product innovation and leadership in a cross-functional stage gate process
• Experience managing test kitchen operations and preparing samples and documentation for showings or evaluations
• Strong quantitative and analytical experience (either through education or professional experience), including expertise with G-Suite, Excel and project management systems
• Experience managing and leading a team of direct and indirect reports
• Flexibility to travel (up to 10%)
• Flexibility to work weekends when required (2-3 times per quarter)
• Fluent in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications

You’ll get…

• Competitive salary, 401k with company match that vests immediately upon participation, and company equity plan based on role
• Generous PTO, including sabbatical, and parental leave of up to 16 weeks
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with options at $0 monthly, effective first day of employment
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Up to 75% discount on subscriptions to HelloFresh meal plans (HelloFresh, Green Chef, Everyplate, and Factor_)   
• Access to 7 different Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) including those for BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, and LGBTQ+
• Inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast-paced, mission-driven company that is disrupting the traditional food supply chain

Position is eligible to participate, contingent on Supervisory Board Approval, in HelloFresh’s equity program.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities. However, the Company reserves the right to adjust, modify, or reassign work tasks and responsibilities as needed to meet changing business needs, operational requirements, or other factors.