Manager, Product Development

GoTo Foods, LLC; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GoTo Foods, LLC is seeking a Manager, Product Development to drive advanced product development and strategic licensed product initiatives. This individual contributor role collaborates across teams to identify, develop, and execute products that align with brand standards and consumer insights.

The role oversees test kitchen operations, establishes detailed specifications with manufacturers, manages production setup, and supports international/licensed projects, ensuring quality and timely

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Culinary, Pastry, Food Science or related field.
• 2+ years of R&D in CPG or food service preferred.
• Experience with external suppliers and packaging tech preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development and commercialization efforts.
• Manage test kitchen operations for development and validation.
• Define product specs with manufacturing partners for quality and cost objectives.
• Coordinate new product production setup and launches.
• Present updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Support domestic and international licensed projects in cross-functional teams.
• Conduct QA checks to ensure packaging and product standards.
• Assist sales with product demonstrations and customer meetings.

Skills

Shelf stability knowledge

Specification sheets

Problem solving

Project planning

Stakeholder communication

Business acumen

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Culinary/Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager, Product Development is an individual contributor responsible for providing advanced product development expertise and thought leadership. This role collaborates cross-functionally to identify, develop, and execute licensed food products and menu strategies that support overall brand objectives, quality standards, and brand integrity. The Manager maintains a strong understanding of current product performance, consumer insights, and industry trends, and uses this knowledge to make informed recommendations for current and future licensed product innovations. This role also plays a key role in supporting and driving project execution in close partnership with the R&D development team, ensuring initiatives are delivered effectively and aligned with business priorities.

Essential Functions

• Product Development and Commercialization
• Manages day-to-day test kitchen operations to support efficient, disciplined product development, testing, and refinement activities.
• Defines detailed product specifications and collaborates with manufacturing partners capable of meeting quality, performance, and cost objectives.
• Manages new product initial production setup, production runs, and quality validation to ensure consistency, scalability, and launch readiness.
• Coordinates product review meetings with senior management and key stakeholders to support timely decision-making and approvals.
• Validates product standards in the field by assessing adherence to brand SOPs and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Provides regular, clear progress updates on product development status, risks, and timelines to project managers and channel leadership.
• Support the development and execution of domestic and international licensed projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Conduct quality assurance (QA) checks to verify product and packaging to product specification, customer requirements, and brand expectations.
• Support sales’ customer presentations, product demonstrations, and business development meetings to help secure new business opportunities.
• Product Ideation
• Supports the development of the brand’s overall food positioning through contribution to product strategy and execution.
• Responsible for the development and execution of assigned brand programs under the guidance of senior leadership.
• Leads day-to-day problem solving for existing and future products and ingredients, including the continuous improvement of commercialized items.
• Evaluates brand menus to identify opportunities for non-core product development and innovation.
• Makes informed recommendations based on BME audit results, ensuring products are measured against and aligned with established specifications.
• Conducts ongoing product research and maintains memberships in relevant professional and industry organizations to gather competitive intelligence and stay current on foodservice and retail trends.
• Partner with customers to research emerging food and beverage trends, consumer preferences, flavors, formats, and menu innovation.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree, B.S. or B.A. Culinary, Pastry, Food Science or related degree , Pref

Work Experience

• 2+ years of research and development experience within the consumer packaged goods or food service industry, preferred.
• Experience working with outside suppliers and the application of external technologies in food ingredients and packaging, preferred.
• Experience with establishing raw material specifications for vendors and contract manufacturers, preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of shelf stability, retail food operations, food plant operation, food quality and laboratory testing for various food products
• Able to create specification sheets for developed products and to hold manufacturers accountable to specifications
• Innovative problem solver with the ability to influence and create "win-win" partnerships.
• Planning, organization and follow up skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with sensitive deadlines and changing environment.
• Ability to quickly build trust and effective working relationships across various stakeholder groups (i.e, Corporate, Field and Franchisees).
• Communication skills that create positive impact and engagement (written, verbal and presentations).
• Innovative decision making with strong business and financial acumen.
• Proficiency in Microsoft computer skills (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time.

Certifications Travel Requirement

• May be required to travel up to 25% of the time