The Manager, Product Development is responsible for driving innovation in the product development process. This position has pivotal responsibility in coordinating with Merchandising Managers, Package Design, Purchasing, Production, Regulatory Compliance, Creative Services, Marketing, Photography team and Legal to ensure all products meet Brand requirements, quality standards and financial goals. The Manager, Product Development needs to be proactive, level-headed, highly organized, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. This position is also responsible for managing and prioritizing the workload of a supporting Product Development Assistant to optimize work efficiency and ensure deadlines are met.

Major responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of executive management.

• Gathers and analyzes product category, lifestyle trend data and photos, culinary and flavor trends to guide the development of product lines.
• Develops new product in partnership with Merchandise Managers assortment specification to achieve department strategies and product targets.
• Keeps abreast of industry developments, becomes an expert in their product categories and projects future trends.
• Regularly communicates and updates Merchandise Manager and all business partners on the status of assortment plan objectives.
• Identify new and cost-effective product opportunities based on customer/marketing feedback, industry trends, and Merchandise Manager assortment objectives.
• Conducts research on potential product opportunities that align within the supported brands while working in tandem with Merchants.
• Masters multiple company systems (SAP, Centric, Electroskusion, and other onboarded systems) for development and inventory status/check.
• Partner directly with colleague developers, sourcing, packaging engineers, and package designers to create new assortments that meet criteria of the business.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate actions to remove low contributing products from the various assortments.
• Ensure company and vendor deadliness are met through timely communication and asset acquisition (photo samples, product information).
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of key competitor’s products, online, and direct marketing channels and sharing the research with the Merchandising division and Food Group partners within the Enterprise.
• Other duties as assigned.