Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Korn Ferry is seeking an experienced Senior Consultant to support a rapidly growing organization in the K-12 food industry. This consultant will play a critical role in expanding food commercialization efforts by identifying and developing strategic manufacturing partnerships, optimizing vendor relationships, and supporting the successful introduction of nutritious food products into public school systems.
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
- Lead commercialization initiatives for food products serving K-12 school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage relationships with co-manufacturers, food production partners, and packaging vendors
- Source and onboard manufacturing partners that meet USDA nutrition standards, CN labeling requirements, and school foodservice regulations
- Navigate K-12 procurement processes, including district purchasing cycles, RFPs, distributor partnerships, and state agency requirements
- Collaborate with executive leadership to develop scalable commercialization and supply chain strategies
- Evaluate product readiness and provide recommendations on product formats, packaging, nutrition profiles, and operational efficiencies
- Build standardized processes for vendor onboarding, product implementation, and commercialization
- Conduct site visits to manufacturing and packaging facilities to ensure quality standards and regulatory compliance
- Identify opportunities to expand market reach through school districts, state nutrition programs, USDA Foods initiatives, and strategic partnerships
- Provide market intelligence and recommendations on industry trends, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities
- Lead projects with minimal oversight while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Provide guidance and mentorship to a small team, including oversight of one to two direct reports
Skills
- 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
- 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
- Demonstrated success commercializing food products within K-12 school systems
- Strong experience sourcing, evaluating, and managing food manufacturing and co-manufacturing partners
- Deep understanding of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), USDA nutrition standards, CN labeling, and school nutrition compliance requirements
- Experience working with manufacturers, distributors, school districts, and government agencies supporting school nutrition programs
- Knowledge of K-12 procurement processes, district purchasing cycles, and public sector foodservice operations
- Strong project management, vendor management, and operational leadership experience
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Self-directed with the ability to work independently, solve complex problems, and adapt in a rapidly growing organization
- Willingness to travel periodically to manufacturing, packaging, and partner facilities
- Established relationships with K-12 food manufacturers, distributors, school nutrition directors, or state child nutrition agencies
- Experience with USDA Foods, commodity entitlement programs, or DoD Fresh
- Background supporting startup or high-growth food organizations
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