Product Developer & Innovation Manager | High-Growth Functional CPG Brand | Hybrid - LA

Product Developer & Innovation Manager | High-Growth Functional CPG Brand | Hybrid - LA The Client We are partnering with a high-growth, better-for-you consumer brand that is redefining its category through functional innovation and strong retail momentum. Backed by a mission-driven approach and a loyal customer base, the company is entering an exciting phase of expansion across both product lines and distribution channels. They are now looking to hire a Product Developer & Innovation Manager to lead the next wave of innovation, owning the full lifecycle from concept through to shelf. This is a highly cross-functional role, sitting at the center of marketing, R&D, sales, operations, and finance, with real influence on the brand’s future pipeline and growth trajectory. The Role This is a builder’s role for someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments and wants to take true ownership of innovation. You will be responsible for shaping and executing the product roadmap, bringing new ideas to life, and ensuring successful commercialization across key retail partners. You’ll play a critical role in translating consumer insight and retailer strategy into high-performing products, balancing creativity with commercial rigor. Responsibilities Own and execute the multi-year innovation roadmap, including core product extensions, new formats, seasonal launches, and expansion into adjacent categories Lead product development from concept through commercialization, ensuring clear timelines, ownership, and decision-making at every stage Manage external R&D partners across formulation, sensory, and shelf-life, ensuring alignment to product briefs and timelines Oversee sensory testing programs and synthesize findings into clear go/no-go recommendations Drive product scale-up from bench sample to full production, ensuring seamless execution across manufacturing and operations Partner closely with Sales to align innovation with retailer strategies, resets, and velocity expectations Collaborate with Finance to build and evaluate SKU-level economics, including COGS and margin profiles Lead packaging development, claims validation, and regulatory/compliance processes Translate consumer and market insights into actionable product concepts and positioning Maintain a strong pulse on category trends, competitive landscape, and whitespace opportunities What We Need to See (Essential) 5–8 years of experience in CPG product development, innovation, or brand roles within food, beverage, or supplements Proven track record of taking products from concept to shelf, including experience launching with national retailers Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to drive alignment across multiple stakeholders Fluency across formulation, sensory, packaging, claims, regulatory, and commercialization processes Highly organized with strong project management capabilities and clear communication style Commercial mindset with the ability to build and evaluate product-level financials and performance metrics Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with limited structure What We’d Like to See (Bonus) Experience within better-for-you, functional, or supplement-based CPG categories Exposure to both DTC and wholesale/retail distribution models Experience managing ingredient sourcing and vendor relationships Familiarity with retailer innovation submission processes and line reviews Package: $120,000 - $150,000 + equity + benefits If this role is of interest, please send your CV over to View email address on click.appcast.io for a full briefing on the role and company. Alternatively, please share this job posting with your network or anyone who may be interested in the role. At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harmonic Finance Inc ™ | Certified B Corp