Product Development Manager - Yellow Emperor

Title: Product Development Manager
Reports To: Director of Sales
Department: Production
Work Location:  Eugene, OR

OBJECTIVE:
The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the development of new products by coordinating the activities of product development, supply chain, quality control and operations. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, project management, and technical expertise to ensure that products meet customer needs, align with the company's goals, and are delivered on time and within budget.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide the Sales Manager with information on process and supply chain capabilities and possible capital needs on customer inquiries.
• Work with the Sales Manager and customers to develop product briefs to guide the development of new products.  The briefs include all customer and internal requirements.
• Work with the Sales Manager and customer to modify briefs if necessary during the development process.
• Lead the product development lifecycle from customer inquiry to launch, ensuring milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Coordinate product development, supply chain, quality control, operations and sales teams to ensure meeting brief requirements and manufacturability.
• Manage project risks and develop mitigation plans to address potential challenges.
• Supervise product development team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to track progress, address issues, and celebrate 
• Ensure all aspects of the product meet customer and internal requirements for function, flavor, quality, regulatory, supply chain and manufacturing.  
• Provide cost information through the development process to ensure the product will meet margin targets.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for product development-related inquiries and updates.
• Present product development progress and strategies to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Assist with creating formulations with flavor, smell, and texture profiles.
• Troubleshoot and resolve formulation issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science/chemistry or other relevant education. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in product development, with at least 2 years in a managerial role.
• Food science and formulations experience.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing products into production.
• Strong project management skills, with proficiency in tools such as JIRA, Trello, or Asana.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Knowledge of product design and development processes.

Compensation

• Wages commensurate with experience 
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Vacation, holiday, and sick pay
• Paid time off for birthday
• Oregon Saves IRA program
• On-the-job training and certifications
  

Additional Information

• On-site position
  
• Full time
  
• Exempt
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity and inclusion in our employment practices. We encourage all qualified people to apply regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran, justice impacted, and disability status. There is no guarantee of employment, and nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
You can apply here.