Hybrid Product Development Manager

at Magic Spoon

• Job title: Product Development Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $130,000 - $180,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, New York City, United States

About the role

• NPD Manager leading product development and commercialization process for a food company. Overseeing Food Scientists and managing the technical pipeline from concept to market.

Responsibilities

• 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 ✨ 🥣