Product Development Manager

Role overview

Development and commercialization

• Analyze competitor products, pricing, positioning, consumer insights, and market trends to identify product opportunities.
• Select ingredients and develop, test, and refine formulations for taste, texture, nutrition, color, aroma, and shelf life.
• Create prototypes and small-scale batches; assess feasibility, cost, and potential profitability.
• Lead ideation and concept-refinement sessions with management, marketing, regulatory affairs, and other teams.
• Conduct pilot production and optimize processes for equipment, yield, ingredient costs, and consistent scale-up.
• Coordinate food-safety testing and ensure ingredients and products meet safety standards.
• Work with regulatory teams on approvals, certifications, health claims, and labeling.
• Develop functional, attractive packaging and select materials that preserve product quality and support sustainability.
• Estimate production costs and optimize margins without compromising quality.
• Plan large-scale production, coordinate raw materials and packaging, and maintain consistent quality and safety.
• Monitor market performance, sales, customer feedback, and trends; guide reformulation, repackaging, pricing changes, and future innovation.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in food science, food technology, nutrition, or a related field.
• At least 5–7 years of product-development experience in the beverage or dairy industry, with a record of bringing new products to market.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and food products from concept through commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of formulation, scaling, production processes, food safety, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance.
• Experience with consumer research, sensory testing, and market-trend analysis.

Skills and competencies

• Project management across timelines, budgets, and resources; creative product ideation and strong communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborative, detail-oriented problem-solver who can meet deadlines under pressure while maintaining quality.
• Proactive, self-motivated, adaptable, and interested in food innovation and sustainability.

Sustainability considerations