Associate Project Commercialization Manager – Yogourt (15 month contract)

Job Title: Associate Project Commercialization Manager – Yogourt (15 month contract)

Location: Etobicoke, ON

About Us:

Welcome to Lactalis Canada – where we take pride in being recognized as one of Forbes’ 2022 top employers! Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian’s favourite dairy brands such as like Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. In fact, we’re proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households!

With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we’re seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!

About the opportunity:

The Associate Project Commercialization Manager (APCM) will be responsible for successful project management, tracking, escalation, and implementation of a diverse range of innovation, renovation, packaging, and sustainability initiatives across the Division. The APCM role will support the Division by tracking and reporting on the KPI’s of certain divisional commercialization projects and potential challenges on a regular and timely basis. The Associate Project Commercialization Manager role will involve building project workback schedules and supporting the team through the commercialization process to ensure project objectives are met. The APCM will ensure projects remain in scope, within timeline and cost parameters by collaborating cross-functionally and with key stakeholders.

The attributes we are looking for:

• Support and lead cross-functional team members through the commercialization process for successful project delivery.
• Build and manage the project workback schedules, define the critical path, track and lead the cross-functional team in successfully progressing activities and ensuring members are meeting agreed upon deadlines and approvals.
• Develop strong relationships across the cross-functional team, while holding team accountable for their inputs and results.
• Commercialize products that span across multiple brands, including sustainability and regulatory initiatives.
• Identify project constraints / resource requirements and escalate to Senior Project Commercialization Manager to proactively anticipate and address project obstacles.
• Maintain and update the commercialization best-in-practice handbook, documentation & tools.
• Lead multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring projects stay on schedule and to budget, by utilizing strong communication, collaboration and project management skills.
• Develop and communicate to all stakeholders including facilitating team meetings, meeting minutes, status reports and work back schedules, risk identification and follow-ups with cross-functional team members to ensure progress in between team meetings.

What you will bring:

• University degree (or equivalent level of work experience)
• Degree in a relevant field required (Engineering, Project Management, etc)
• Project Management or other relevant Professional designations preferred (PMP, Lean Six Sigma).
• 2-4 years’ experience of on-the-job project management experience, leveraging project management tools and techniques, with preference for food/beverage CPG industry.
• Technical knowledge and experience (e.g., R&D, Quality, Packaging, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply chain).
• Proven track record of managing projects simultaneously while staying on schedule and within budget.
• Leadership skills with the ability to engage, motivate and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across all functions (sales, marketing, finance, supply chain, R&D, operations, procurement, legal, quality, regulatory, etc.).
• Best-in-class Project Management skills with strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and excel as both a strong team player and project leader.
• Proficient with Microsoft Project. Data management/SAP experience is an asset.
• Bilingual (English/French) language skills an asset

What Lactalis will offer:

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following package for contract employees:

• A Competitive Base Salary
• A Retention Bonus of 15% to be paid out at the end of the contract
• 8% vacation pay
• Health & Dental Benefits starting day 1
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Potential for future full time permanent opportunities!

Our ESG commitment:

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our commitment to DEI:

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We’re dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone’s true selves. We’re committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we’ll contact you after signing a Job Offer.