We have partnered with our client in their search for a Senior Consultant, K-12 Food Commercialization.
Responsibilities
* Lead commercialization efforts for K-12 food products by identifying, evaluating, and onboarding co-manufacturing and food packaging partners.
* Develop and manage strategic vendor relationships while ensuring compliance with National School Lunch Program (NSLP), USDA nutrition standards, and CN labeling requirements.
* Navigate school district procurement processes, including bids, RFPs, distributor partnerships, and state agency requirements to accelerate product adoption.
* Partner with executive leadership to develop scalable sourcing strategies, optimize supply chain operations, and support business growth.
* Conduct site visits to manufacturing and packaging facilities to assess production capabilities, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
* Develop repeatable processes for vendor onboarding, product commercialization, and operational excellence while leading a small team of 1 to 2 direct reports.
Skills Required
* Extensive experience within the K-12 foodservice, school nutrition, food manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods industry.
* Proven expertise sourcing, selecting, and managing co-manufacturers, food production partners, and third-party vendors.
* Strong knowledge of National School Lunch Program (NSLP), USDA nutrition standards, CN labeling, and school nutrition regulations.
* Experience commercializing food products from development through distribution within the education market.
* Strong project management, problem-solving, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
* Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with minimal oversight.
Education & Work Experience
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, Nutrition, Operations, or a related field preferred.
* Seven or more years of experience in K-12 foodservice, school nutrition, food manufacturing, consumer products, or a related industry with demonstrated success in commercialization, sourcing, and vendor management.
Title
Senior Consultant, K-12 Food Commercialization (Contract)
Location
Remote with occasional travel to manufacturing, co-packing, and packaging facilities.
Client Industry
K-12 Food Services | Food Manufacturing | Consumer Products
Compensation
Part-time consulting engagement, 20 to 30 hours per week.
Target pay rate: $60 to $75 per hour.
Initial contract duration of 6 to 12 months with the potential for extension or full-time conversion.
About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com
