Product Development Coordinator / Project Manager

Product Development Coordinator

Pomona, CA (on-site)
Pay: $25.00 – $35.00/hour, DOE (non-exempt) + bonus eligibility
Schedule: Full-time

About the Company
Our client is a well-established contract manufacturer of personal care, cosmetic, household, and consumer products. They have more than 30 years in business, around 400 employees across two manufacturing facilities, and they've roughly doubled in size over the past four years. With new investment behind them and continued expansion ahead, they're building out their team and investing in new systems, technology, and employee development. Employees describe the culture as family-oriented and people-first. Leadership is accessible and transparent, and there's a real emphasis on appreciation through company events, recognition programs, and community involvement.

The Role
The Product Development Coordinator is the project quarterback for new and revised products, from the first customer inquiry through commercialization. You'll be the central point of coordination between Sales, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Production, making sure products move from concept to finished goods on time and within cost targets. You'll report to the Director of Project Management and partner directly with Sales and customers to bring wet wipe and filled products to market. This role suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys juggling multiple customer projects at once.

What You'll Do

Project Coordination & Execution

• Coordinate the full product development process, from the initial customer inquiry and questionnaire through production launch and handoff to commercialization.
• Execute each phase of development, including bill of materials, cost analysis, claims testing, prototype sample submission, and customer approval.
• Prioritize work across multiple concurrent projects, adjust workflows as needed, and track progress against the timelines committed to customers.
• Manage the transition from development to production, confirming that specs, BOMs, artwork, and component orders are finalized before the first production run.
• Maintain project documentation, including approvals, change requests, test results, and stage-gate milestones.

Cross-Functional Liaison

• Serve as the main point of contact across Sales, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Production throughout the development lifecycle.
• Keep Sales and customers informed with project updates, timelines, and status reports, and communicate risks or delays proactively.
• Contribute ideas for new product formats, packaging configurations, and formulation approaches.
• Partner with Regulatory/Compliance on ingredient reviews, labeling, and claims substantiation so products meet FDA, OTC monograph, and cosmetic regulations.

Technical & Commercial Support

• Determine packaging materials and sourcing requirements, including substrates, film structures, flow wrap and pouch formats, and component lead times.
• Keep product specifications, BOMs, and documentation accurate and current in the ERP system.
• Support customer-specific cost models and help prepare quotes in partnership with Sales and Finance.
• Review artwork and proofs with internal teams and customers so that components can be ordered on schedule.
• Apply your understanding of line capabilities, MOQs, changeover constraints, and material lead times to set realistic timelines.

What You Bring

• A bachelor's degree in Business, Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Packaging Science, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in project management, product development, or project coordination within the cosmetic, personal care, household, or CPG industry.
• Experience in a contract manufacturing (OEM) environment is strongly preferred, and manufacturing or production floor experience is a plus.
• A working understanding of packaging development, pouching and flow wrapping, formulation basics, manufacturing processes, and QA.
• Familiarity with FDA cosmetic and OTC monograph frameworks and with ingredient labeling is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills; experience with Salesforce, an ERP system (SAP, DEACOM, or similar), and project management tools is a plus.
• Strong organization and follow-through, an analytical, root-cause mindset, and confidence presenting project status to customers and leadership.
• A positive, adaptable approach and comfort in an environment where priorities shift and speed matters.

Why You'll Love It

• A growing company where new opportunities open up as the business expands.
• A collaborative, family-oriented culture with visible, approachable leadership.
• Regular employee appreciation events, recognition programs, and community giving.
• A growing investment in training and professional development.
• Exposure to a wide range of products and well-known brands.

Work Environment
This is primarily an office-based role with occasional time on the manufacturing floor, where there is some exposure to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration. The role involves occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.