Product Development Manager

You're here! This can only mean one thing; you want to add a bit of SPICE to your life! Have no fear, here at The Spice & TeaExchange® we are oozing with life and with spice!
Are you the best at what you do and want to love where you work? Are you a true flavor enthusiast with a zest for adventure? Want to work with a TEA-m full of sugary sweet, never salty (unless we sell it) band of characters who take their work seriously but never themselves? If this sounds like you and you too love corny puns, you may be the key ingredient we're missing. See what we did there? Apply now, and let your culinary imagination run wild with us!
The Spice & Tea Exchange is looking for energetic people who have a passion for life and food. Our mission is creating and sharing the experience of a more flavorful life, and our employees strive to make that happen every day for our customers, our franchisees and each other. The employee experience at The Spice & Tea Exchange is unique and rewarding, and if you have this same passion for flavor, we have a seat for you at our table.
JOB TITLE:PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
WORK LOCATION: REMOTE - US, (Eastern and Central Standard Time Zone residents only)
REPORTS TO: HEAD OF PMSI
Objective:
At The Spice & Tea Exchange®, it is our mission to "Create and share the experience of a more flavorful life". As a Product Development Manager, you will manage and coordinate PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT projects by focusing on technical feasibility, suppliers, pricing, design optimization, and production issues. Throughout opportunity exploration and PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, a PDM will generate product requirements, determine specifications and pricing, and work with the Marketing Manager to develop marketing strategies for new products. The PDM ensures our products remain innovative and competitive in the market.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Lead the ideation, development, and launch of new products across the franchise system. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, operations, and marketing, to bring innovative and market-leading products to our customers.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of Product Development & Innovation strategies and initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage the PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT process lifecycle end-to-end, and provide strategic direction, oversight, and guidance to direct reports and cross-functional teams to achieve objectives.
• Collaborate with company leadership and franchise store owners to drive profitable sales growth.
• Develop pricing strategies and guidelines to maximize profitability while maintaining competitive positioning in the market. Analyze pricing dynamics, monitor market trends, and collaborate with finance teams to drive revenue optimization.
• Manage and mentor PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT team to include outlining professional development and identifying growth opportunities.
• Maintain a pulse on the competitive landscape both franchise and product to drive product differentiation and create compelling value propositions.
• Collaborate with Franchise Operations Director to understand franchise needs and build a partnership to nurture the relationship, instill confidence and deliver PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT support.
• Develop and disseminate dashboarding, KPIs, quarterly reports and reviews to direct reports.
• Contribute to the development of the company's long-term strategic plans and vision.

Minimum Requirements:

• BA in Product Development, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five+ years of experience in research and PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT within a retail franchise or consumer goods industry.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proven strengths in project management, product lifecycle, and product innovation.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Always possess and foster the highest degree of integrity, tact, and professionalism.
• Ability to problem solve and overcome challenges.
• Intentional communication and masterful organizational aptitude.
• Be a goal-oriented, "biased for action" individual with a passion for winning in the marketplace.
• Proficiency with computers and software systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with franchise systems and multi-unit operations is highly desirable.
• Experience in PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT within the Spice and/or Tea industry.

Physical Requirements:

• Operates computers and office equipment.
• Lifting to 25 lbs.
• Sitting, standing, and walking.
• Occasional overhead lifting, bending, stooping.
• Occasional traveling by multiple means.
• Tolerates spice aromas.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The Spice & Tea Exchange® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
This is a remote position.
We create and share the experience every day! Life is better lived with a little spice
The Spice & Tea Exchange ® was founded in 2008, by a group of talented individuals with a passion for life and food. What started as a small shop in St. Augustine, Florida, has quickly grown into a nation-wide franchise powered by flavor, passionate franchise owners, and a desire to bring flavorful ingredients to your kitchen. Our franchise owners are the #1 REASON for what we do, and our team is a close-knit family you'd enjoy sitting with around the dinner table.
"Creating & sharing the experience of a more flavorful life," is the mission and cornerstone of our business, in which we strive to provide guests with quality products and flavorful memories. We offer a high-quality, diverse assortment of products in a sensory shopping experience. One step into our shops will kick your senses into high-gear as you open the jars and smell, explore recipes, and speak with our knowledgeable staff about your culinary interests.
At The Spice & Tea Exchange® we are committed to our mission. If you have a desire to inspire coworkers and customers, we may have a place for you at the table! Our employees define experience as all the events of our lives that shape who we are, taking you out of the everyday task list and putting you into a place that takes you to a different state of mind, making memories that are not forgotten, and trying things for the first time! The employee experience is something we do not take with a grain of salt.