INNOVATION COMMERCIALIZATION MANAGER

Job Description

For over 100 years, our client has been a trusted leader in the animal health industry, recognized for their high-quality products and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of companion animals and livestock. A standout in both equine and pet care, they are driven by innovation and dedicated to delivering best-in-class health and wellness solutions.

We are currently seeking an Innovation Commercialization Manager to lead the end-to-end launch of new animal health and wellness products. In this pivotal role, you’ll serve as the key liaison between suppliers, contract manufacturers, and internal teams—acting as the bridge between innovation, R&D, supply chain, and marketing. You’ll play a critical role in bringing products from concept to market while ensuring quality, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency.

This role is ideal for candidates with a background in innovation, commercialization, product management, or brand management—particularly those who thrive in cross-functional environments and are passionate about making an impact in animal health.

Responsibilities

• Product Commercialization & Strategy: Guide innovation projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring market fit, technical feasibility, and business viability.
• Market & Business Assessments: Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to evaluate market demand, competitive positioning, and financial goals.
• Technical Feasibility & Recommendations: Assess product feasibility from concept to prototype and present recommendations for decision-making.
• Go-to-Market Execution: Develop cross-functional launch strategies and manage project timelines within the Stage Gate process.
• Contract Manufacturer & Supplier Management: Identify, vet, and negotiate with contract manufacturers and suppliers to ensure quality, scalability, and cost optimization.
• Production & Scale-Up Oversight: Manage pilot testing, scale-up processes, and production timelines for smooth market entry.
• Technical Leadership: Provide expertise in formulation, sourcing, and manufacturing while ensuring compliance and innovation flexibility.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Address technical challenges and develop solutions to enhance product differentiation and feasibility.
• Regulatory & Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with regulations and oversee assessments on stability, safety, and performance.
• Market & Consumer Insights: Use research and trends to identify new product opportunities and support pricing, packaging, and branding decisions.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of five years of experience in product commercialization/ innovation
• CPG experience a must (pet supplements, pet food or animal health experience preferred)
• Experience managing contract manufacturers and supplier relationships
• Familiarity with the Stage Gate innovation process
• Ability to solve complex product development challenges using technical and business expertise
• Ability to be in the office three days a week (greater Springfield, MA area)
• Ability to travel 20% of the time