Associate Manager, Product Development

Swanson Health•Fargo, ND

About The Position

Support the end-to-end product development pipeline for new products, renovations, and reformulations, from research and concept development through technical execution and cross-functional coordination. This role involves gathering and comparing supplier and co-manufacturer quotes, minimum order quantities, lead times, samples, specifications, and costing information to support feasibility decisions. The Associate Manager will coordinate day-to-day development needs with ingredient suppliers and contract manufacturers, including documentation, samples, timelines, technical questions, and follow-up. A key part of the role is partnering with Technical Services, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and other teams on bench-top testing, pilot runs, scale-up activities, specifications, validation support, and technology transfer. The position also requires researching emerging ingredients, technologies, dosage forms, delivery systems, competitive products, suppliers, and manufacturing capabilities to help identify product opportunities. Additionally, the role involves reviewing and summarizing clinical research, technical data, ingredient evidence, and supplier materials in partnership with Scientific Affairs, and supporting ingredient evaluation and claims substantiation by organizing relevant scientific and technical information. Maintaining accurate product development records, including formulation information, specifications, raw-material documentation, feasibility records, costing inputs, development summaries, approvals, and pilot and scale-up records is essential. The role also supports international market and offshore development opportunities by coordinating local requirements, supplier and co-manufacturer information, samples, documentation, and project tracking. Finally, the Associate Manager will identify project issues and escalate risks appropriately while keeping development work organized and moving forward.

Requirements

2–3 years of experience in product development, scientific research, technical services, formulation support, regulatory support, project coordination, or a related field.
A bachelor’s degree in science, nutrition, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific or technical field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify.
Strong organization, follow-through, prioritization, and attention to detail across multiple concurrent projects.
Ability to interpret and organize technical, scientific, supplier, costing, and regulatory information.
Clear written and verbal communication skills for working with internal teams, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable product development, workflow, and enterprise systems such as JIRA, Mozart, and CMS.
Sound judgment to identify issues, escalate risks, and work with accuracy and accountability.

Nice To Haves

Experience in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, food, pharmaceuticals, or other regulated consumer products is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the end-to-end product development pipeline for new products, renovations, and reformulations.
Gather and compare supplier and co-manufacturer quotes, minimum order quantities, lead times, samples, specifications, and costing information.
Coordinate day-to-day development needs with ingredient suppliers and contract manufacturers.
Partner with Technical Services, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and other teams on testing, pilot runs, scale-up activities, specifications, validation support, and technology transfer.
Research emerging ingredients, technologies, dosage forms, delivery systems, competitive products, suppliers, and manufacturing capabilities.
Review and summarize clinical research, technical data, ingredient evidence, and supplier materials.
Support ingredient evaluation and claims substantiation.
Maintain accurate product development records.
Support international market and offshore development opportunities.
Identify project issues and escalate risks appropriately.