Senior Product Development Manager
About The Position
The Senior Product Development Manager will play a critical role in executing Seaboard Foods’ product innovation agenda by developing and commercializing value-added pork products across key growth categories. This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end product development process—from concept through commercialization—leveraging expertise in meat science, formulation, processing, and packaging. The position works cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver differentiated, high-quality products aligned with consumer and customer needs. While contributing to innovation strategy, this role is primarily focused on execution, development, and delivery of product initiatives that drive growth in value-added categories.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, or related field
- 5–8+ years of experience in meat/protein product development, R&D, or innovation
- Hands-on experience in formulation and commercialization of value-added protein products
Nice To Haves
- Experience with bacon, sausage, marinated/seasoned pork, ham, cooked meats and case-ready products
- Strong knowledge of processing, packaging, and plant operations
- Experience working with retail and/or foodservice customers
- Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end product development of value-added pork products using a stage-gate process from concept through commercialization
- Develop and optimize product formulations across key categories including bacon, sausage, marinated/seasoned pork, ham, cooked meats and case-ready products
- Translate consumer, customer, and market insights into product concepts that meet evolving retail and foodservice needs
- Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure successful product commercialization and launch execution
- Ensure products are scalable and manufacturable by aligning formulations with processing capabilities, packaging formats, and plant constraints
- Develop and maintain product specifications and documentation for seamless handoff to product management and operations teams
- Ensure compliance with USDA labeling, claims, and regulatory standards throughout development and commercialization
- Monitor and apply industry trends in ingredients, flavors, packaging, and processing to drive innovation and differentiation
- Support product testing and validation, including sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and customer research (CLTs/IHUTs)
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization and continuous improvement in product design, sourcing, and production processes
Benefits
- Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
- 401K with company match
- Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
- Wellness Program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee pork purchase program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
