Product Development Manager - Ready to Eat

Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN); Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A global nutrition company in Illinois is seeking a Product Development Manager for Ready-to-Eat products. The ideal candidate will lead a team to innovate high-protein snacks and bars, collaborating across teams while driving product development from concept to execution. A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and at least 8 years of experience in food formulation are required. This role offers a competitive salary of $120,000-$140,000 plus bonuses, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in food/ingredient.
• Expertise in RTE product formulation and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience leading diverse technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Food Scientists to develop new products.
• Manage new product development from concept to execution.
• Ensure thorough documentation of product formulations.

Skills

Team management

Product formulation and development

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Nutritional software

SAP

Job description

Overview

Glanbia Performance Nutrition is a global company with a brand portfolio that consists of Optimum Nutrition, BSN, Isopure, Think!, Amazing Grass each with its own brand essence. From athletes to remote workers, people around the world want to eat well and live healthier, more active lives and we have the products to match!

We are seeking a visionary Product Development Manager - RTE to lead delivery of the growth strategy for GPN brands through developing and executing of Ready-to-Eat product innovation – specifically in high protein snacks and bars.

This role serves as a strategic partner, playing a key part in shaping new product concepts and guiding a team of food scientists to deliver both renovation and innovation. A deep understanding and masterful expertise in formulating and developing a range ready-to-eat (RTE) products—from initial concept to successful execution are fundamental. This role is a new role to the team due to an internal move!

Responsibilities

What you will do as the Product Development Manager for RTE:

Team Management

• Lead a team of Food Scientists, and works closely with Marketing, Business, R&D team members, Manufacturing, Packaging Engineering, Quality teams to develop and deliver new products.
• Prioritize resources to meet project demands across all streams of work allocation.
• Mentor and guide team members, enhancing technical skills, organizational skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Facilitate cross-team training and encourage a collaborative, positive work environment.

New Product Development

• Lead the formulation and development of a broad range of products, mastering the art of creating and refining prototypes across different processing conditions.
• Spearhead pilot plant experiments and scale-up processes, maintaining rigorous standards and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Identifies and explores new areas of technical opportunities

Documentation

• Ensure comprehensive documentation of all formulations, product stability, and project outcomes, maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountability.
• Ensures accuracy and timeliness of Sensory Reports, Trial Reports, First Production Reports, Technical Briefs, and other documentation.
• Continuous improvement/optimization of current products according to business needs, supply situation and/or implementation of initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain a positive, growth-oriented mindset, encouraging team members to embrace challenges as opportunities for innovation and development.
• Act as a key connector across departments, fostering strong relationships and a unified approach to product development.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge and insights to drive innovation and product excellence aligned with business strategy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science with a minimum of 8 years of experience in food / ingredient
• Expert knowledge and mastery in formulating different RTE product and scale up under different key manufacturing technologies , including cold forming (slab bars), baking, extrusion, depositing, enrobing, frying, and molding, etc.
• Experience leading diverse technical teams and direct reports, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Solid understanding of the food industry, with broad knowledge across manufacturing operations and technical functions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, nutritional software, and preferably SAP, with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

This role will thrive in both autonomous and collaborative settings, working closely with the Director, the R&D Leadership Team, and other innovative minds within the R&D department. As a proactive technical leader, the PDM will engage both functional and cross-functional teams within GPN, fostering a culture of growth, positivity, and collaboration across the organization. The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, leveraging critical thinking, organizational savvy, superior communication, and analytical skills will be key to success in this role.

About Glanbia

Glanbia is a better nutrition company with three divisions: Performance Nutrition, Health & Nutrition and Dairy Nutrition. Collectively and with our partners we offer an incredible breadth of expertise in nutrition. We employ a team of 5800 people, work with global food and beverage companies, and sell our award-winning and market-leading brands and ingredients in more than 100 countries worldwide. At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. Our company offers you an excellent opportunity to do really interesting work and develop a career in a dynamic and innovative environment that is all about making you and our business successful. Apply now and make a difference in the world of health and wellness!

Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in IL. The annual salary for IL based employees for this role is $120,000 - 140,000 plus an annual bonus. This range may not be applicable to other locations. Factors that could be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, years of experience and comparison to current employees already in this role. The typical candidate is hired below midpoint of the range.