Product Development Project Manager

A leading food manufacturing and distribution company is seeking a dynamic Project Manager – New Product Development to lead and coordinate product innovation initiatives from concept to market launch. This role is responsible for managing cross-functional teams, collaborating with co-packers and suppliers, and ensuring successful product commercialization within the food manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will have experience in product development, co-manufacturing, and commercialization while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and business objectives. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Launch Lead end-to-end product development from ideation through launch, ensuring feasibility, scalability, and profitability. Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, and Operations teams to drive innovation and successful product launches. Develop and manage project timelines and deliverables to ensure timely execution. Work with internal and external partners to troubleshoot technical challenges related to formulation, processing, and packaging. Identify, onboard, and manage co-packers to support product development and production requirements. Coordinate with co-packers on recipe scale-up, production trials, and quality standards. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication Act as the central point of contact between R&D, Operations, and external partners to streamline project execution. Coordinate plant trials, initial production runs, and validation testing with internal teams and co-packers. Provide regular project updates to leadership, including risks, timelines, and key milestones. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and innovation within the product development process. Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Ensure all new products meet regulatory requirements and company quality standards. Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to manage ingredient approvals, labeling compliance, and food safety documentation. Perform additional duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, Food Technology , or a related field. Experience Minimum 5 years of experience in food product development, commercialization, and co-manufacturing project management. Strong understanding of food formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing methods. Experience working with co-packers, suppliers, and production teams in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in project management tools such as Smartsheet, Monday.com, or similar platforms . Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to evolving business needs. Preferred Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus. Benefits Overview Holiday Pay Paid Time Off (PTO) Health Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Flexible benefits options Disclaimer The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Appleton Finn