Product Development Manager
Magic Spoon
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: New York City • New York • United States
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Salary
💰 $130,000 - $180,000 per year
About the role
- Support innovation and renovation pipeline by overseeing scientist’s lab work, scale up trials, factory 1st productions, and post launch updates
- Provide guidance on best practices re: co-man comms, PLM, ingredient onboarding, genesis, regulatory (Flavored WONF etc.), etc
- Stay abreast of competitive products to ensure we stay competitive, review gaps in market, and stay on top of customer insights and trends
- Hold regular meetings with cross functional groups to evaluate new products, review ingredient usage, textures, formats etc.
- Evaluate ideas for new innovation using industry knowledge, external partners, rapid prototyping, etc.
- Preemptive work fiber + granola/ Fiber + fruit
- Manage team of food scientist’s workload and professional development
- Review of weekly benchtop priorities, analyzing/optimizing resource planning doc
- Collaborates cross functionally to ensure alignment of product development goals
- Create in-budget and in-specification products that meet consumer expectations
- Create specs/work with co-mans on improving (glanbia, shape change for treats/rice shaped pieces)
- Work internally and externally to develop and execute against product testing plans
- Lead sensory tests for product improvements and coordinate all product samples for innovation led sensory testing
- Lead bi-weekly Glanbia technical calls
- Ensure proper oversight of nutrition fact panel generation and ingredient declarations for all new and updated products
- Including items such as 3 way check (genesis, PLM data, ops primary supplier sheet)
- Travel to factories to support start up of new products and equipment as needed
- Problem solve and offer solutions to technical and business issues as they arise based on knowledge of manufacturing and formulation
- Support operations team in cost savings and efficiency measures from scoping to first production
- Lower cost ingredient swap outs, spec reviews/comparisons, etc.
- Identify and action opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies within the product department
- Complete SOPs, timeline reviews (eg. do we still need to allocate 40 business days for LTO development), working with FONA on projects like updating cost in use/carrier swaps.
Requirements
- 6-10+ years of product development experience in food, CPG, or related industries
- Proven experience leading formulation, scale‑up, and commercialization with co‑manufacturers
- Strong knowledge of food science, ingredient functionality, processing, and regulatory requirements
- Experience managing and developing technical teams
- Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and quality systems
- Experience with PLM systems, formulation tools (e.g., Genesis), and supplier documentation
- Ability to balance consumer expectations, cost targets, and operational realities
- Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and technical complexity
- Highly collaborative, with the ability to influence cross‑functionally
- Organized, proactive, and comfortable owning multiple work streams at once
- Hands‑on leader who can switch between strategic thinking and tactical execution
- Travel required for the role ~20-50%
Benefits
- Competitive salary & equity
- Bonus eligibility
- 100% covered Health, Vision, Dental insurance (50% covered for dependents)
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous parental leave
- Flexible vacation
- Paid company holidays
- Paid sick leave
- Catered lunch in office
- Dog friendly office
- Unlimited cereal ✨ 🥣
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
product developmentformulationscale-upcommercializationfood scienceingredient functionalityprocessingregulatory requirementsmanufacturing processesquality systems
Soft Skills
problem-solvingcollaborationinfluenceorganizationproactivityleadershipstrategic thinkingtactical executionnavigating ambiguitymanaging multiple work streams