Job Description:
The Product Development Manager will drive research, development and execution of bringing new and modified products to market with cross-functional teams and resources.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Other duties may be assigned.
- Manage execution and analysis of product trials as needed (i.e.: shelf life, packaging strength, etc.)
- Support market tests or launch of new products in conjunction with sales and marketing
- Execute modifications to existing products and expeditiously respond to meet customer needs
- Lead team and maintain documentation of all inquiries and new product projects status-timelines
- Champion development of new product and packaging concepts with internal cross-functional departments to ensure project closure/launch. (i.e. Sales, Marketing, Harvesting, Operations, Purchasing [and/or Packaging], and Value-Added)
- Provide in-field and in-plant on the ground support during product trials, pre-launch and initial commercialization runs
- Monitor the progress and provide performance measurement reports for project goals and milestones
- Lead technical teams (Production, Harvest, Food Safety, QA, Processing and Purchasing) to recommend and approve (from concept through implementation) raw product, machinery elements, packaging components, and processes in order to deliver a high quality, low cost finished product to bring to market
- Interface with quality, food safety, purchasing or other appropriate departments to ensure standard operating procedures are in place for quality assurance SOPs & Specifications, supplier approval, labeling compliance review, food safety, etc. for new products
Position Reports to: Vice President of Marketing
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or similar degree is required
- Continuing education in product development, packaging, equipment handling, safety and other related fields
- A minimum 5 years of experience in product development for a diversified portfolio of agricultural both commodity and value added fresh produce is required
Computer Skills:
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), web-based applications and database capabilities.
Other Skills & Abilities:
- Candidate must apply industry knowledge to deliver efficiencies in project management, costing, and innovation
- Technical skills (post-harvest technology, modified atmosphere packaging, retail and food service labeling requirements) in fresh produce or fresh food processing technologies and equipment
- Strong leadership, collaboration and communication skills to work across all levels of company
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Other Qualifications:
- 30% travel, Must be able to travel to our various harvesting and processing geographical areas.
