Product Development Manager

Sugar Foods Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Sugar Foods Corporation in Commerce, CA is seeking a Product Development Manager to provide technical leadership and oversight for product development within R&D. The role blends hands-on development with leadership to drive high-quality, scalable work while strengthening technical rigor and accountability across the team.

You will guide formulation, process optimization and scale-up, mentor developers, and collaborate with Sales, Operations, QA, Purchasing and Finance to align development

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science or related field required; MS in Food Science desirable.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in food product development or R&D.
• Minimum 5 years in a management or lead role.
• Experience leading projects from formulation through scale‑up and commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction for product development activities across assigned projects.
• Lead and supervise Project Levels 1–2, with ability to support Level 3 projects.
• Guide development approaches to ensure sound technical judgment and efficient scalability.
• Coach and mentor product developers to strengthen capability and accountability; stay hands-on as needed.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Sales/Marketing, Operations, QA, Purchasing and Finance.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Product formulation

Process optimization

Quality improvement

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Education

BS in Food Science or related field

MS in Food Science desirable

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Product Development Manager

Commerce, CA, US

1 Attachments

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $115,000.00 Annually

Position Summary

The Product Development Manager provides technical leadership and oversight for product development activities within R&D. This role combines hands‑on product development expertise with leadership and coaching to drive high‑quality, efficient and scalable development work while strengthening technical rigor, critical thinking and accountability across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction for product development activities across assigned projects. Lead and supervise Project Levels 1–2, with the ability to support select/lead Level 3 projects as needed
• Guide development approaches and decision‑making to ensure sound technical judgment and execution discipline. Review and challenge formulation, process and scale‑up work to improve quality and reduce downstream risk
• Coach and mentor product developers to strengthen capability, accountability and

critical‑thinking skills. Remain hands‑on as needed with formulation, trials, troubleshooting and commercialization support

• Ensure development decisions appropriately consider quality, cost, commercial feasibility and long‑term business impact. Support continuous improvement and capability building within the R&D function
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Sales/Marketing, Operations, QA, Purchasing and Finance while leveraging external resources to determine development priorities
• BS in Food Science or a related field required, or equivalent experience. MS in Food Science desirable.

Experience

• 8–10 years of progressive experience in food product development or R&D within a food manufacturing environment, including a minimum of 5 years in a management or lead role
• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising product development projects from formulation through scale‑up and commercialization
• Proven ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously, providing timely technical direction and guidance across varying scopes and priorities
• Strong expertise in product formulation, process optimization, experimental design, and quality improvement. Experience evaluating technical tradeoffs related to quality, cost, manufacturing feasibility, and risk
• Prior experience providing technical guidance, mentoring, and leadership to product developers
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills
• Ability to effectively balance hands‑on technical work with leadership and oversight responsibilities

Attachments (1)

Job Description - Product Development Manager 033026.pdf