WAWONA FROZEN FOODS

ABOUT THIS COMPANY

Founded in 1963, Wawona Frozen Foods specializes in the growing and freezing of fresh fruit. As a pioneer in the frozen fruit industry, the company is a leader in producing many of America's favorite fruits, including peaches, strawberries, pears, plums, and unique mixed fruit blends.

With a strong family heritage and a commitment to the highest standards of food safety, Wawona delivers products with exceptional taste, texture, and natural sweetness. Customers rely on Wawona for quality, consistency, and outstanding service.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Commercialization Manager will lead the successful launch and ongoing market performance of Wawona's frozen fruit products across retail, foodservice, and industrial channels. This role bridges operations, sales, marketing, and quality to ensure products are effectively brought to market, meet customer expectations, and drive revenue growth.

This position works cross-functionally across two production facilities in Clovis and Fresno, CA, ensuring alignment between product development, manufacturing capabilities, and commercialization strategies.

DUTIES INCLUDE

Go-to-Market Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute commercialization strategies for new and existing frozen fruit products
• Identify target markets, customer segments, and channel opportunities (retail, foodservice, industrial)
• Partner with Sales and Marketing to define product positioning, pricing, and launch plans

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Supply Chain to ensure product readiness and launch success
• Align production capabilities with customer demand, timelines, and product specifications
• Serve as a key liaison between plant operations and commercial teams

Product Launch & Lifecycle Management

• Lead end-to-end commercialization from concept through launch and post-launch performance tracking
• Coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables for new product introductions
• Monitor product performance, customer feedback, and market trends to drive continuous improvement

Customer & Market Insights

• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities
• Support key customer relationships by aligning product offerings with their requirements
• Translate customer insights into actionable product and operational strategies

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Drive efficiencies in commercialization processes, including product setup, specification alignment, and launch execution
• Standardize processes and documentation across both facilities
• Track and report on KPIs such as product launch success, revenue growth, and customer satisfaction

REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in commercialization, product management, sales, or operations within food manufacturing (frozen or produce preferred)
• Strong understanding of food production processes and commercialization lifecycle
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage product launches
• Experience working with customers in retail, foodservice, or CPG environments
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish highly preferred
• Ability to travel between Clovis and Fresno locations and flex across business needs

Preferred:

• Experience in frozen food, produce, or high-volume manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of GFSI/SQF standards and food safety requirements
• Experience with ERP systems, forecasting, and demand planning
• Background in pricing strategy, margin management, or market analysis

LOCATION

This position will work across our Clovis and Fresno facilities.

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY

• Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, DCAP, and a generous 401(k) match.
• Culture of Growth: We invest in training and career development-your growth matters here.
• Family-Owned Values: A collaborative, people-first environment where your work matters.
• Unique Perks: Wawona Wednesdays, seasonal appreciation events, branded gear, and more.
• Meaningful Impact: Help shape the future of a trusted brand in the foodservice industry.

PHYSICAL AND/OR MENTAL DEMANDS

• Work in environments with medium to loud noise, cold temperatures, and wet/humid conditions
• Stand, walk, and reach; occasional sitting, talking, or hearing
• Lift/move up to 45 lbs. occasionally
• Exposure to production environments including mechanical systems and cold storage
• Wear required PPE and adhere to food manufacturing guidelines

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicants must be fully authorized to work in the U.S. and physically present in the U.S.

Wawona Frozen Foods is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics.

NOTICE TO RECRUITERS:
Wawona Frozen Foods does not accept unsolicited resumes without a signed agreement.