Product Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Yost Foods, Inc. is seeking a full-time driven and innovative Product Development Manager to lead our Product Development and Regulatory Compliance teams. This role is critical in delivering high-quality, safe, and commercially successful food ingredients while fostering a high-performance, collaborative team grounded in our core values.

WHY JOIN YOST FOODS?

• $140,000 - $160,000 per year based on experience
• Safe working environment – PPE and continuous training
• PTO available after 60-day introductory period
• 9 paid holidays
• 401K with company match
• Company paid health insurance for employee – available after 30 days
• Be a part of a company that values innovation, teamwork and customer success
• Lead impactful projects from concept to commercialization
• Work in an environment focused on growth, learning, and excellence

How You’ll Make an Impact:

  Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor Product Development and Regulatory Compliance teams, setting clear priorities and development goals. 
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 
• Foster a creative, problem-solving environment that promotes innovation and high performance. 
• Manage, coach, and develop staff while ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Project & Product Development Execution

• Drive multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery, accuracy, and audit-ready documentation.
• Develop new product concepts and prototypes through all stages of bench development to commercialization.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to scale up and launch new products successfully.
• Support product optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.  

Technical Expertise & Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership and support across Sales, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and customers.
• Assist Sales by translating customer needs into viable product solutions and supporting new business development.
• Maintain proactive communication with customers throughout the product lifecycle.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all products meet or exceed SQF standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain compliance with FDA labeling regulations, HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, and food safety systems.
• Lead efforts to validate processes, maintain documentation, and support audits.
• Investigate customer complaints and drive corrective actions.

Knowledge & Expertise:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• 5–7 years of experience in food research & development
• Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively  

Technical Expertise

• Proven experience with Ready-to-Eat and Aw/pH-controlled product development
• Strong knowledge of:
  • FDA labeling regulations
  • HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, and regulatory compliance
  • Culinary experience is a plus

 

If you’re a strategic leader with a passion for food innovation and team development, we’d love to hear from you!

* Hiring not finalized until the successful completion of background check*

 

Monday - Friday in person in Brunswick, Ohio