Product Development Manager

Job Overview:

• Develop new products, line extensions and product reformulations that support the Vitamin World (VW) brand strategy and increase VW and Precision Engineered sales and profit in US and Asian Markets.
• Support VP of Merchandising in identifying a strategic vision of product innovation and developing marketing plans.
• Helps create Structure Function Claims for products based on available studies for dietary ingredients.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Review current product line to streamline oversaturated product lines with no differentiation between skus and to determine which SKUs need to be reformulated to effectively compete in brick-and-mortar stores and the digital environment.
• Analyze current product mix to determine gaps to market in product line
• Research current market(s), trends, ingredient trends, innovation, competitors, competitive advantages and competitive introductions for domestic market and work with China-based partners to:
• Analyze: Create detailed competitive analyzes to illustrate VW’s strengths and weaknesses compared to leading competitors and specify where and how VW can become more competitive.
• Innovate: Develop new formulas and product lines that will bring VW into its next generation.
• Revitalize : Assort VW’s product line with formulas that exceed leading competitors and offer unique selling points. Prioritize trending ingredients, products, and categories.
• Liaise with China-based partners team in identifying product trends and developing a curated assortment recommendation from the US product portfolio for China market.
• Use analyses to develop and execute detailed NPD timelines.
• Manage the new Product Development process from conception to implementation.
• Lead project management and innovation meetings.
• Maintain and manage new products and product reformulation documentations across all categories.
• Create product briefs to include in the New Products Master File.
• Log, and coordinate new product sample, tasting/sensory results from tasting panel and communicate results to vendors.
• Drive internal team and external vendors to launch new products/product reformulations on schedule.
• Manage a rolling 15-month pipeline.
• Create new products and reformulations that are on trend and science based.
• Gather and evaluate the robustness of scientific studies that support claims to be made on labels and advertising.
• Collaborate with QC on Manufacturing Specifications
• Communicate with QC, Strategic Sourcing, manufacturer, and suppliers to confirm label claim(s) for ingredient potencies to create formula and Finished Product Specifications.
• Collaborate with QC and Strategic Sourcing to manage flow of information.
• Liaise with copackers/vendors Regarding formulation, cost, specs, packaging, lead times, timeline, etc.
• Liaise with internal team (QC, Strategic Sourcing, Merchandising, Creative) regarding cost, forecast, regulatory approval, labels, production, timelines, etc.
• Work with QC and copackers/vendors to work through outstanding formulation/raw material issues.
• Ensure QC received information to approve final formula, create internal Finished Product Specifications, create labels.
• Clearly and concisely communicate Product Development initiatives with cross-functional partners and VW Leadership

Qualifications:

• Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a similar discipline preferred
• 5+ years of relevant experience in PD, planning and execution
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Work well independently and team oriented
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with a desire to succeed
• Analytical-driven problem solver; ability to see several alternative solutions to a problem at the same time
• Keen interest in VS, SN and H&B development.
• Exceptional follow through and execution capabilities; solid project coordinating abilities
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Financial acumen
• Thorough understanding of FDA, Vitamin Supplements and Sport Nutrition regulations.
• Thorough understanding of Vitamin Supplements, Sport Nutrition, Health and Beauty ingredient functionality and product formulations.
• Experience reviewing and evaluating scientific studies for strength of conclusions based on study methods to determine Claims for products.
• Working knowledge of packaging technology to evaluate adequacy of packaging.
• Working knowledge of VS, Sport Nutrition, Claims and labeling regulations.
• Excellent time management skills, sense of urgency and desire to complete all assignments on a timely basis.
• Ability to shift priorities.
• Expert Microsoft Excel skills and Working knowledge of Microsoft PBI, AX and AS400 a plus
• Mandarin language skill beneficial but not required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Suite 206 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Suite 206 Beverly Hills, CA 90211: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Suite 206 Beverly Hills, CA 90211