Product Commercialization Manager - Bakery

at  7Eleven

• Who we are
  With more than 13,000 stores in the U.S. and 84,000 stores globally, it is no wonder 7-Eleven, Inc. has been named an iconic brand. In addition to 7-Eleven stores, 7-Eleven, Inc. also operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost locations.
  Since inventing the convenience industry in 1927, 7-Eleven has built a rich 96-year history filled with beloved products like Slurpee, Big Gulp and Big Bite, and fan-favorite holidays like Slurpee Day and Bring Your Own Cup Day.

Now, 7-Eleven is on a mission to contemporize the brand and redefine convenience – and we need your help.

• About This Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY:

The Bakery Product Development Commercialization Manager is responsible for overseeing the commercialization of bakery products, ensuring the successful transition from product development to market. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong business acumen to manage the entire lifecycle of new product launches, from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with R&D, merchandising, and manufacturing teams. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the bakery industry and bakery development, strong project management skills, and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments to deliver products that meet market demands and consumer needs. This role is a unique opportunity to play a critical part in shaping the future of our bakery products and processes while driving our growth in the market!

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• EDUCATION: Bachelors/4 Yr Degree in Food Science, Bakery Science, Culinary Arts or a related field.
• YEARS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: 5+ years in Food Product Development and food manufacturing; experience working bakery products or Food Service a plus

• Lead the commercialization process for new and existing bakery products, ensuring timelines, quality standards, and costs are met.
• Develop and execute commercialization strategies and timelines for product development projects; drive projects to ensure key milestones are met; identify contingency plans and assess risks.
• Coordinate with R&D, Merchandising, and Bakery partners to bring new products to market efficiently.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and expansion in the bakery product portfolio.
• Identify key capabilities needed including equipment, ingredients or skills within the partner facilities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for bakery facilities regarding commercialization processes.
• Gather internal and external feedback post-launch to inform product improvements or adjustments.
• Liaise with quality assurance to maintain high product standards during the commercialization phase.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, customer preferences, and competitive products.
• Partner with supply chain and production teams to ensure production capabilities match forecasted demand.
• Document the details of the developed products through detailed specifications outlining weights, measurements, organoleptic and physical/chemical attributes.
• Develop and foster relationships with supplier/partners to manage and positively influence product development; use technical skills to outline development approach and guidelines.
• Utilize food science knowledge to troubleshoot product quality opportunities and /or identify improvements.