Manager, Product Development

GoToFoods; Atlanta (GA); Remote; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

GoToFoods is seeking a Manager, Product Development to lead advanced product development efforts for new culinary offerings. The role partners with R&D, manufacturing, and marketing to shape product strategies, assess performance, and align with brand standards.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in culinary product development within a CPG context, with strong supplier collaboration, material specifications, and project leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in developing new culinary products in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Experience working with outside suppliers and external technologies in ingredients and packaging.
• Experience establishing raw material specifications with vendors and contract manufacturers.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day test kitchen operations to support product development, testing, and refinement.
• Define detailed product specifications and collaborate with manufacturing partners to meet quality, performance, and cost objectives.
• Manage new product initial production setup, production runs, and quality validation for consistency and launch readiness.
• Coordinate product review meetings with senior management and key stakeholders for timely decisions.

Skills

Shelf stability

Retail food operations

Food quality testing

Laboratory testing

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Culinary/Food Science

Job description

• 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.
• 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.

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 food product 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 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.

Workplace Type

Remote

Education

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

Work Experience

• 5+ years of experience in developing of new culinary products, experience in the consumer packaged goods field , Pref
• Experience working with outside suppliers and the application of external technologies in food ingredients and packaging. , Pref
• Experience with establishing raw material specifications for vendors and contract manufacturers. , Pref

Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of shelf stability, retail food operations, food plant operation, food quality and laboratory testing for of 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.

Travel Requirements

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