MANDY EDWARDS

Results-driven Head of Commercialization with 25 years in food manufacturing, specializing in chilled and frozen products. Led launch of over 300 SKUs annually, generating substantial revenue growth and cost savings through effective commercialization and product innovation. Managed cross-functional teams across R&D to execution, ensuring alignment of product development with commercial objectives. Currently directs a multi-site team in commercialization efforts across key regions.

• FreshRealm, 07/2018–Present, Led the commercialization and launch of 300+ SKUs annually across chilled and frozen meal platforms, supporting rapid business growth from $17.9M (2021) to $218.5M (2025). Successfully onboarded 35–40 strategic customer partnerships, driving sustained revenue expansion, innovation, and category leadership across retail (B2B) and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, including major grocery, club, and specialty retail customers.
• Fuji Foods, 05/2016–05/2018, Developed and launched multiple seasonal ready-meal programs for a major retail customer, generating more than $5 million in incremental revenue while establishing a new strategic growth platform and expanding the company's product portfolio.
• Fresh & Easy, 05/2010–12/2015, Commissioned and launched a multi-million-dollar dessert manufacturing line generating approximately $50,000 in weekly sales, while delivering over $1 million in annual cost savings through process optimization, yield improvements, and packaging efficiencies. Played a key role in pioneering innovative ready-meal products within a high-growth startup environment.
• 2 Sisters Food Group (JBS), 10/2008–07/2010, Implemented a waste reduction and yield improvement program that generated $250,000 in annual savings, while leading lean manufacturing initiatives that reduced operating costs by approximately $55,000 per production line annually. Successfully commissioned a state-of-the-art cooked and breaded products facility and production line.

• Creative Foods (Brakes Group), Commercialization Process Manager, 2007–2008, Partnered closely with development chefs and production teams to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure efficient scale-up from concept to production., Evaluated and approved new raw materials, verifying quality, compliance, and suitability prior to customer approval submissions., Led factory trials and product launches, ensuring successful implementation while meeting customer critical path timelines., Coordinated cross-functional activities between technical, production, procurement, and commercial teams to support new product introductions., Developed, compiled, and maintained technical documentation, including equipment Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process instructions., Supported continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and operational consistency.
• Uniq Prepared Foods, R&D Manager, 2005–2007, Led the commissioning and implementation of new processing machinery and equipment, improving manufacturing efficiency and operational capability., Successfully managed the transfer of more than 30 SKUs to a new manufacturing facility, ensuring continuity of supply and a seamless production transition., Developed and implemented technical manufacturing specifications and process standards to ensure consistent product quality across the portfolio., Managed a seasonal off-site tempering and distribution facility during peak holiday periods, maintaining product quality, inventory control, and customer service levels., Collaborated with operations, quality, and supply chain teams to support new product introductions and continuous improvement initiatives., Provided technical leadership for product scale-up, process optimization, and manufacturing problem-solving.
• Hazelwood Pizza (Greencore), Commercialization Manager, 2003–2005, Conducted supplier audits across the UK and Europe to assess compliance with quality, food safety, and technical standards, while driving raw material and ingredient rationalization initiatives., Led the commissioning and start-up of new production lines and manufacturing equipment, improving operational efficiency, capacity, and process reliability., Implemented continuous yield improvement and productivity programs, delivering significant cost savings through waste reduction, process optimization, and enhanced manufacturing performance., Collaborated with procurement, operations, quality, and product development teams to support successful commercialization and product launches., Managed factory trials and production scale-up activities, ensuring products met quality, cost, and customer requirements., Drove continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, efficiency gains, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Hazelwood Foods (Oscar Mayer), Senior R&D Commercialization Technologist, 1999–2003, Developed and implemented cost-saving models and process improvements to support profitable and efficient manufacturing operations., Established and optimized operational parameters for production equipment, enhancing process efficiency and supporting successful product development and scale-up activities., Planned, coordinated, and executed factory trials across a broad product range, including sauces, ready meals, cooked proteins, fresh pasta, and carbohydrate-based products., Collaborated closely with production, quality, and technical teams to ensure successful transfer of products from development into full-scale manufacturing., Prepared and maintained detailed product specifications and technical documentation, ensuring compliance with UK food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements., Supported continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, manufacturing performance, and cost optimization.