Product Development Manager- Private Brands

Position SummaryThe Manager, Sourcing and Product Development – Private Brands is responsible for executing sourcing strategies and product development initiatives that support private brand growth within the convenience retail channel, across packaged food, beverages, snacks, and general merchandise.This role works closely with the Private Brand Product Management team to bring product concepts to life, ensuring alignment on product vision, cost targets, specifications, and timelines. The Manager plays a key role in optimizing the private brand supply chain and in building and following structured, scalable processes that enable speed-to-market, quality, and operational efficiency.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development Execution & Product Management PartnershipPartner closely with the Private Brand Product Management team to execute product development plans aligned to brand and assortment strategies.Manage day-to-day product development activities from concept approval through commercialization.Translate product briefs into detailed specifications, packaging requirements, and supplier briefs.Provide input on feasibility, supplier capabilities, cost implications, and supply chain considerations.Support SKU lifecycle activities including reformulations, line extensions, and item transitions.Sourcing & Supplier ManagementExecute sourcing strategies across domestic and international suppliers for assigned categories.Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers in alignment with quality, cost, and capacity requirements.Lead supplier communications related to product development, costing, timelines, and performance.Support supplier negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives in partnership with leadership.Maintain supplier documentation, specifications, and contracts.Supply Chain Optimization & Risk ManagementSupport end-to-end supply chain optimization efforts for private brand products.Partner with Supply Chain, Logistics, and Inventory Planning teams to:Improve lead times and on-time deliveryOptimize MOQ, production runs, and inventory levelsReduce total landed cost where possibleMonitor supplier performance related to service levels, quality, and responsiveness.Escalate supply risks and support mitigation plans such as alternate sourcing or item transitions.Process Discipline & Operational ExcellenceExecute and continuously improve sourcing and product development processes to ensure consistency and scalability.Follow standardized workflows for:New item development and commercializationSupplier qualification and onboardingCosting, specification management, and change controlHelp document processes, tools, and best practices.Track progress against timelines, milestones, and readiness requirements.Use data and reporting to identify gaps and improvement opportunities.Team Collaboration & LeadershipCollaborate effectively with cross-functional partners including Product Management, Merchandising, QA, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, and Operations.Provide guidance and day-to-day support to junior team members or analysts, as applicable.Contribute to a solutions-oriented, accountable team culture.Participate in training, onboarding, and capability-building initiatives.Food Safety, Quality & ComplianceEnsure all assigned products meet FDA, USDA, FSMA, and applicable regulatory requirements.Partner with QA and Regulatory teams to manage product specifications, audits, labeling, allergens, and claims.Support issue resolution related to quality, compliance, and supplier corrective actions.Uphold private brand quality and food safety standards.Financial & Business SupportSupport product-level costing, margin targets, and business case development.Track costs, savings initiatives, and supplier changes impacting COGS.Assist in forecasting, item setup, and launch readiness activities.Ensure sourcing decisions align with financial and operational goals.Qualifications & ExperienceRequiredBachelor’s degree in Business, Buying Operations, Supply Chain, Food Science, or related field.5–8 years of experience in sourcing, product development, or private brand roles.Experience with CPG packaged food and/or general merchandise.Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Product Management teams.Working knowledge of supply chain concepts, supplier management, and commercialization processes.Strong organizational, communication, and execution skills.PreferredExperience in convenience retail or multi-format retail.Exposure to global sourcing and food safety regulations.Prior experience mentoring or supervising junior team members.Key CompetenciesProduct development executionCross-functional collaborationSupplier managementSupply chain optimizationProcess discipline & attention to detailProblem-solving and prioritizationClear communicationSuccess MetricsOn-time execution of product development and launchesAccuracy and completeness of specifications and documentationSupplier performance and service levelsLead time and supply continuity improvementsCost and margin target supportCross-functional partner satisfaction#LI-PG1Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer.The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company’s Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.Click below to review information about our company's use of the federal E-Verify program to check work eligibility:In EnglishIn SpanishJob SummaryJob number: R612754Profession: Marketing/Merchandising