Senior Manager, Commercialization Project Manager (CPG / Retail)

Wow Bao is searching for a Senior Manager, Commercialization Project Manager (CPG / Retail) to join our Sales and Operations team. You will work closely with the growing team as we embark on our next stage of accelerated growth. The Senior Manager, Commercialization Project Manager (CPG / Retail) will lead cross functional project teams bringing new products to life and improving manufacturing processes. This role will also be responsible for sourcing packaging solutions, identifying new manufacturing equipment, and launching new items within Wow Bao’s growing business.
This role is based in Chicago, IL (River North), and requires in-person availability Monday through Friday.

Wow Bao’s CPG vertical has experienced 4000%+ growth over the past 12 months. We are looking to bring in someone who has the desire to be a part of one of the fastest frozen CPG brands in the country. We are looking for a person who has a desire to grow within the role and be an integral part of the CPG sales team.

More than 21 years old, Wow Bao is a Chicago-based omni-channel brand that operates in several store fronts, as well as in over 700 virtual kitchens across the country. Additionally, our portfolio includes airports, universities, hotels, hot food vending machines, and e-commerce.

ABOUT WOW BAO: 

Wow Bao has always led the industry in innovation and while fusing delicious Asian Street Food with superior hospitality, we continue to meet our customers where they are. Our restaurant menu features rice bowls, pan-seared potstickers, dumplings, soups, and our iconic Bao – steamed hot Asian buns with a variety of savory and sweet fillings. We continue to expand our grocery line and in addition to several Bao flavors, we are introducing a variety of other products.

 Wow Bao is the only brand to be recognized three times by Fast Casual magazine as a Top 100 Movers & Shaker. Ranked no. 1 in 2019 and 2022 and no. 4 in 2023, we are the only brand to have taken home the honor more than once. At Wow Bao, we believe that every day deserves a big, bold serving of WOW. We’ve made it our mission to shake up the industry and bring a fresh and exciting spin to the fast-casual experience.

Wow Bao is poised for continued growth within all its verticals, as well as in the corporate setting.

WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF CARING

Whether it’s our guests or employees, we put people first.  We strive to inspire, motivate, and appreciate one another every day.  We live by the golden rule and treat everyone with kindness, empathy, respect, and a healthy dose of humor.  We take our work, not ourselves, seriously.

Requirements

• Lead and drive large-scale, projects that drive high impact across key goals and objectives encompassing a wide range of subject matter areas including Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Product
• Lead and execute projects by developing timelines, leading cross functional weekly meetings and driving all project related communications
• Ability to multitask and adhere to deadlines while staying highly organized and detail oriented
• Projects will include packaging sourcing, RFP’s, product innovation, manufacturing process improvement, manufacturing machinery identification, ingredient procurement
• Assist with food shows, trade shows, and off-site events
• Perform calmly and effectively in a fast-paced work environment
• Follow all rules, policies, procedures, and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Other tasks and projects assigned on an as needed basis
• Travel is required for this role up to 20%

Required Experience/Skills:

• 2-3 years with Commercialization or Product/Project Management experience required
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Business or Product/Project Management
• Experience in Food Manufacturing is required
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Strong Attention to Detail
• Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills for External Partners and Internal Cross-Functional Partners
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Benefits

• Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• Employee Restaurant Discounts and Employee Meals
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
• Employee Discount Programs
• Training, Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• We foster a culture of CARE
• Growth & transfer opportunities; we love it when people grow at Wow Bao!

Benefits eligibility varies based on things like position, hours worked, and length of service, and all benefits are subject to change, some of the benefits you might expect are listed above.