Product Innovation Manager

Snack Innovations•Piscataway Township, NJ

7h•$115,000 - $165,000

About The Position

The Innovation Manager leads development and execution of new and existing product initiatives, from early concept and bench development through plant scale-up, commercialization, and launch. The position manages the innovation and product development pipeline and provides technical leadership in formulation, process, materials, and quality. It works cross-functionally to keep projects on schedule and ready for production. The role is primarily office based, with hands-on involvement or presence in manufacturing areas during product trials, scale-up, troubleshooting, and commercialization activities. The manager primarily supports the Drizzilicious product line, supports select private-label projects, and leads a team of approximately three to four employees.

Requirements

Product development experience is required, preferably within food, snacks, consumer packaged goods, or a related manufacturing environment.
Strong quality orientation and ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve product and process issues.
Working familiarity with food quality and regulatory considerations, including product specifications, ingredients, allergens, labeling, and shelf-life requirements.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accountability for timelines and deliverables.
Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively across departments and with suppliers, vendors, and production teams.
Hands-on, self-directed approach and ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Science, or a related degree is preferred but not required.
Experience with product formulation, bench development, trials, scale-up, and commercialization is preferred.
Experience with Stage-Gate is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Own and manage assigned new product development and product enhancement projects from concept through commercialization and launch.
Manage packaging of new products, determining options for new sizes, artwork, and displays.
Manage the new and existing product development pipeline from concept and bench development through commercialization and launch.
Formulate and enhance products, conduct bench development and testing, and resolve formulation, process, material, and quality issues.
Plan, execute, and document product trials and support scale-up from bench development through commercial production.
Establish product requirements, process parameters, and technical specifications to support successful production and regulatory compliance.
Manage project timelines, stage gates, deliverables, and readiness; identify issues and drive timely resolution.
Lead and coordinate the product development team and cross-functional partners to achieve project and department goals.
Work with suppliers and vendors to source, evaluate, and improve ingredients, raw materials, coatings, seasonings, packaging, and other product components.
Partner with Quality, Operations, Production, Purchasing, Marketing, and Creative to support product quality, packaging, regulatory considerations, and successful product launches.
Troubleshoot product and production issues and support Drizzilicious and select private-label projects, including vendor and supplier support as needed.