Love Beets, a rapidly growing and innovative company in the natural foods industry, is seeking an experienced Product Development Manager to join our team full-time. Product innovation is an important element to our business and we’re looking for an organized and CPG-savvy individual to be the primary point of contact for all Product Development efforts between Sales & Marketing, Production, and any relevant third parties/vendors.
This role is responsible for every phase of the Produce Development cycle -- from proposal to project kick-off, figuring out feasibility, processes, sourcing, and cost during the development phase with the production team, collaboration with the marketing team, the timely completion of each stage of the process, and ultimately the successful commercialization of products. The individual will report directly to Love Beets’ General Manager.
We’re a young, fun and upbeat company and we pride ourselves on our team-player mentality. Visit lovebeets.com to learn more about us and to see if you would be a good fit!
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
- 5+ years’ working in a Project Manager role, preferably with food-focused CPG/new product development experience
- Basic familiarity with Consumer Packaged Goods is a plus
- Exceptional organization, attention to detail and project management skills
- Excellent team skills and the ability to manage diverse departmental goals toward successful project completion
- Strong communication skills and ability to convey technical concepts to a diverse internal team
- Willingness and ability to frequently travel to Rochester, NY (up to 25% of the time)
Love Beets offers above industry average compensation. Including; medical/dental insurance, company matched 401K and an amazing work environment.
Customer:
- Proactively manage and work closely with customer development departments and sales and commercial teams to influence product development with the aim to develop the changing needs of the customers and the Love Beets business.
Product Innovation & Development:
- In collaboration with other relevant departments, develop products with the awareness of current food trends and external influences.
- Creative and innovative thinking and approach – understanding of ingredients and nutrition.
- Awareness of consumer trends in retail and exciting new developments in fresh produce.
- Help to identify new market opportunities with the support of the sales and marketing teams.
Costs:
- With support from the Finance Manager, ensure all costings are started with the product breakdowns and adjusting NPD product breakdown where necessary if required.
Packaging:
- Collaborate with Technical Director, Product Manager, and Marketing Manager to ensure we make full use of packaging innovations and developments, with the aim of marketing our products in the best possible manner.
Suppliers & Procurement Teams:
- Work with and challenge the Procurement and Purchasing teams to ensure we are best in class in innovation, development, and sourcing of newness and efficiency within the supplier base.
Product Launches:
- Ensure the development process is covered clearly, by starting a concept and covering all the needed paperwork (business case, product scope, gate 3 lock down, etc.)
- Setting and adhering to critical paths, keeping a record file for each new concept and clear notes from every NPD meeting and call.
Technical Standards:
- Work closely with the Technical department to ensure that all technical standards and due diligence requirements are achieved with development of new concept.
Travel:
- Frequent travel to our production facility in Rochester, NY, as well as other sites, suppliers, and customers to ensure our development processes meet customers’ requirements.
Legal:
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Maintain an understanding and awareness of the company’s legal obligations in the following areas:
- Quality Assurance
- Policy and Procedures
- Health and Safety
