Sr. Manager Global Product Development

About GNC

Since 1935, GNC has been a global leader in health and wellness innovation, inspiring people to achieve their goals with a trusted and dynamic range of products. As #TeamGNC, we prioritize our consumers, constantly collaborating and developing new ideas to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Our team is passionate about driving change and turning aspirations into actions. We believe that good health is the greatest gift, and there's nothing more rewarding than helping others achieve it. Join us in empowering others to Live Well!

 

What We’re Looking For:

At GNC we embrace a “Live Well” philosophy, fostering a dynamic environment where innovation meets passion.  Whether someone is an athlete or just starting to focus on their health, we want to deliver the cutting-edge products they deserve. We are looking for an individual who is excited and eager to play a pivotal role in driving excellence in the health and wellness industry. This position offers the opportunity to engage in a collaborative environment where you will make a personal impact every day.

 

The Sr. Manager Global Product Development is responsible for supervising and managing activities of a team of project managers across their respective projects for new product development from ideation to commercialization. Ensure product and project specifications, scope and budget parameters are achieved to meet required marketing dates. Oversee and enhance departmental operations, identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency, and deliver training and guidance to support staff to achieve and surpass departmental and organizational objectives.

 

What You’ll Do:

This is a Full-Time Salary Position

 

Job Responsibilities:

• Product Development & Innovation Process:

• Manage and supervise all projects and product development activities of GNC branded products from ideation to commercialization and shipment (e.g., solid dose, powders, liquids, chewable, gummies, bars, snacks)

• Collaborate with brand and product design on innovation. Set up meetings and lead discussions to gain an understanding of the overall product vision, formula, and financial targets.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project timelines by identifying key milestones, defining task durations, and monitoring progress to ensure on-time delivery. Proactively adjust and replan schedules as needed to address risks, changes, and evolving business priorities.

• Assess and proactively manage potential risks throughout the product lifecycle. Lead and actively participate in issue resolution and troubleshooting efforts by applying sound judgment, prior experience, and problem-solving skills to drive timely and effective outcomes.

• Complete detailed cost analyses by working with sourcing, technical PD, and product design to determine a preliminary cost. Utilize analysis to validate and negotiate cost reduction with bidding manufacturers.

• Work with leadership to determine bidding strategy. Evaluate vendor submissions and create detailed comparison summaries to support informed awarding of business.

• Collaborate with technical manager to ensure products meet desired requirements. Monitor sample timing, prototype approval, facts panel values and documentation collection. Participate in sensory evaluations and discussions to drive decisions best for the product and our consumer.

• Initiate the artwork process and provide required details and documentation. Work closely with the packaging team to ensure artwork tasks are completed within the established timeline.  Provide die-lines and conduct fill studies to ensure the product utilizes the appropriate packaging size. 

• Interact with the quality department to gather requirements from the prototype stage through commercial production and release.

• Reporting and Communication

• Provide regular updates on project status to cross functional teams in a concise format to include status, challenges, and issue resolution throughout the lifecycle of the project. Alert teams of any concerns that may jeopardize the committed ship date.

• Oversee weekly manufacturing calls and internal product development meetings. Create and update presentations to help lead discussions. Prepare and share meeting notes and outline next steps.

• Identify the need for and arrange meetings outside of established calls to quickly address situations. Efficiently update internal/external partners and determine best path forward.

• Strengthen existing contract manufacturing relationships.

• Complete postmortem analyses. Utilize these findings to develop/expand SOPs for continued process improvements.

• Leadership

• Mentor and develop direct reports. Provide guidance in management of their specific projects and personal development goals.

• Analyze workflow and assign projects and tasks to direct reports.

• Establish leadership role among department peers. Build a collaborative team and recognize pain points to drive improvements throughout the process. 

• Drive cross-functional collaboration to define scope of a project that upholds brand, margin and timeline requirements.

• Lead and influence a broad cross-functional network of partners, including Brand, Product Design, Sourcing, Inventory Planning, Packaging, Business Units, Quality, Legal, Manufacturing, and Material partners.

• Assist in creation and execution of departmental best practices and SOPs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for supervising multiple projects.

• Responsible for supervising a team of employees.

 

PHYSICAL ASPECTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Hybrid work environment, 3 days in-person attendance (Pittsburgh, PA) in addition to ability to work remotely.

• Ability to taste and screen various products and ingredients for flavor and sensory evaluation.

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands or fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.

• Regularly/Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low/moderate.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key accountabilities of the job required.

• 15+ years experience in product development or project management in consumer health packaged goods products.

• Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) a plus; PMP certification preferred.

• Previous managerial and supervisory experience.

• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications; ability to learn new systems.

• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), and planning skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, and reasoning).

• Solid understanding and application of mathematical concepts.

• Ability to critically read technical documents/formulations, identify and trouble-shoot challenges, and analyze next steps and timing.

• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as internal and external clients.

• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.

• Ability to work influence peers and senior management.

• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.

 

 

GNC Holdings, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer