New Product / Business Development Specialist / Manager (Food Industry)

New Product Development Specialist / ManagerLocation: North Bay Area, CAWork Arrangement: HybridEmployment Type: Full-TimeSalary: $100,000 – $130,000 DOE + BonusPosition SummaryA growing food company is seeking a New Product Development Specialist / Manager to drive market-focused product innovation and business growth. This position works closely with customers, sales teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to identify market trends, generate new product ideas, and support commercialization initiatives.This role is ideal for professionals with a combination of sales, product development, product marketing, or category management experience who enjoy working directly with customers and bringing new product concepts to market.Key ResponsibilitiesIdentify new product opportunities through customer interactions, market research, and industry trend analysisPartner with sales teams on customer visits to understand market needs and gather feedbackDevelop and present new product concepts and business opportunitiesCoordinate with suppliers and internal teams to support product development and commercializationConduct product costing, pricing analysis, and margin evaluationsSupport product launches, customer presentations, and commercialization activitiesMonitor product performance and recommend improvements based on market feedbackParticipate in domestic and international trade shows, supplier visits, and customer meetingsManage multiple product development and business development projects simultaneouslyRequired Qualifications5+ years of experience in sales, product development, product marketing, category management, or related fieldsExperience working directly with customers and translating market needs into business opportunitiesStrong project management and cross-functional collaboration skillsAbility to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environmentStrong communication and presentation skillsBachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Product Development, or a related fieldBusiness-level English communication skillsPreferred QualificationsExperience in the food, beverage, CPG, or foodservice industryExperience supporting new product launches or commercialization initiativesExperience collaborating with customers on product development projectsKnowledge of Asian food products, food culture, or international food marketsJapanese language skills are a plus, but not requiredBenefitsMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance401(k) Plan with Company ContributionPaid Company HolidaysPaid Time Off (PTO)Paid Sick LeaveTarget Bonus: Approximately 10–15% of Base SalaryTravel RequirementsInternational travel to Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, etc.) approximately 3–4 times per yearInternational trade show participation in Europe approximately once per yearDomestic travel approximately 1–2 times per monthCore Working HoursFlexible work schedule with core business hours from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.