Hybrid Product Development Manager

at Ventura Foods

• Job title: Product Development Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior, Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Fort Worth, United States

About the role

• Product Development Manager at Ventura Foods developing on-trend food products in collaboration with various teams. Leading product development from concept to production, ensuring quality and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure training and development activities are provided to optimize staff skills, conduct performance appraisals, and develop individual objectives for staff.
• Lead and supervise the product development team at a Center of Excellence.
• Prepare and monitor related departmental budgets.
• Administer the project work load.
• Oversee activities of the staff to ensure high quality results and timely completion of all projects within budgetary guidelines.
• Responsible for cultivating business relationships with our Sales, Culinary and Marketing teams and customers.
• Work with and manage the team collaboration with Ventura chefs in the development of new menu concepts and value added finished products.
• Review project request for both operational and economical viability prior to starting product development.
• Technical/PD representation communicating Product Development concerns, issues, requirements and details to our internal partners and customers.
• Ensure accurate, timely response to inquiries from our customers.
• Work internally with Operations, QA, Engineering on capability requirements and Quality concerns and issues.
• Work internally with Sales and Marketing on new product initiatives.
• Remain current with advances in Sauce and dressing technology and industry needs to provide leadership and technical expertise to ensure productivity and delivery of quality products and services to our National Chain Account Customers.
• May represent Vice President or Director as required at meetings or industry events.
• May interview and recommend hiring of technical personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or equivalent experience and 10+ years of experience commercializing and launching products is required.
• 3+ years people management including project management and customer interaction experiences is required.
• 3+ years’ experience in any combination of Ventura categories i.e. dressings, sauces, mayonnaise, fats & oils.
• Detailed understanding of the research and the development cycle is required.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Experience launching products into Foodservice is highly desirable.
• Prior experience working in a restaurant is a nice to have.

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
• Employee Appreciation Events
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions)