Product Development Manager

Scope of Job: This position manages and directs the product development programs to meet organizational needs and to capitalize on potential new products. Develop and implement product development procedures and techniques. Oversees complex research projects, analyzes results, and provides recommendations based on findings. Assesses the scope of research projects and ensures they are on time and within budget. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Extensive knowledge of department processes.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide on-going coaching, training, development, and daily direction for R&D resources.
• Provide guidance to lab personnel and scientists on technical formulation requirements, specification development, data collection, and procedures.
• Help to supply and create an environment that supports a high-performing team.
• Guide teams to develop a keen sense of technical rigor with product implementation from conception through commercialization.
• Align resources and ensure prioritization within product development team to support the business strategy and financial goals.
• Facilitates staff’s understanding of the business case for project assignments, new products/concepts, and strategy.
• Advanced working knowledge of an R&D organization, including product development flow and project management from conception to product launch.
• Function as conduit between Product Development and cross-functional teams to facilitate problem solving and remove roadblocks.
• Effectively develop and manage technical timelines, provide clear communication, raise issues and risks, and develop contingency plans.
• Acts as a consultant on problems within product design, quality, and processing to make authoritative technical recommendations during project stage-gate process.
• Examine, Study, and Investigate industry trends and processes to identify opportunities in multiple product categories such as meal solutions, health and wellness, and food service.
• Identify internal opportunities by challenging formulation, manufacturing, and organizational process assumptions. Collaborate with other teams to implement changes/improvements.
• Provide transparency to organization of current project status and implementation.
• Work closely with Account Managers and Business Development to provide product information and technical support to customers.
• Leverage vendor capabilities, where appropriate, to expand formulation possibilities, research new ingredients, product technologies and/or increase speed to market. Collaborate with vendors to research new ingredients, product technologies, and/or processes to develop unique and innovative products.
• Fosters environment of collaboration within site Product Development team as well as the full R&D organization.
• Collaborate with production and supporting departments to ensure the food safety and quality of our products.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s Food Science, M.S. Food Science, or equivalent.

Experience: 5 years of experience in research and product development, process development, or similar experience in food related industry. 1-3 years of direct people management experience, especially coaching new and experienced team members. Preferred experience in factory environment, scaling from benchtop research and development to commercialization. Experience in savory flavor applications (i.e. sauce, soups, and side dishes) a plus.

Competencies: Product Innovation, Product Intelligence, Product Research, Project Scoping, Quantitative Research, Research and Development, Research Documentation, Business Acumen, Technical and Professional Knowledge, strong Problem-Solving skills, strong Communication and Presentation skills, Organizational and Planning skills, Goal Oriented, Continuous Learning, Integrity, and Operational Excellence.

Travel 15-20%.