Product Development Manager - Nationwide Technical Resources Corp

Seeking a Product Development Manager for a food manufacturing company.

The ideal candidate will be involved with taking a product from an initial idea and transforming it into a physical product line. This position will be working strategically to manage products from conception to launch and plays a crucial role in ensuring products are delivered on time and within budget.

What you will do: 

Own several product categories, maintain, and grow existing key suppliers while selecting and maintaining a network of potential new suppliers. You will also develop pricing strategies and implement Master Supplier Agreements.

·  Own the full end to end management of designated vendors and co-mans, from first contact to commercializing new sku’s and categories.

· Use successful negotiation strategies to create contracts with optimal terms and establish supplier relationships that are most beneficial to the company.

· Influence suppliers so they understand the value of our partnership and are able to meet our needs most effectively.

· Partner with suppliers to bring a continuous improvement mentality and strategy, to reduce cost and improve efficiencies while maintaining or improving quality, and adjust strategies based on changing business needs.

· Leverage technical knowledge of products, ingredients, and components to build expertise on the operations of our suppliers.

· Manage and lead key strategic initiatives to optimize our vendor network and build a strong group of alternate suppliers.

· Support cross functional team in resolving any obstacles or issues with vendors (supply planning, R&D, quality, etc.)

· Project management of initial production setup of both new co-packers and new products.

Requirements

· 5 years progressively responsible experience in the food and beverage industry managing 3rd party manufacturers and/or suppliers and a demonstrated track record in successfully developing, negotiating, and managing complex vendor relationships.

· Engineering, Operations or Supply Chain Management or other technical degree preferred.

· Excellent communications skills with the proven ability to lead, influence and motivate others.

· Ability to build positive, lasting relationships

· Project Management experience.

· Strong strategic planning and tactical decision-making skills.

· Initiative-taking and strong analytical/ problem solving skills.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
  
• Dental Insurance
  
• Retirement 401k
  
• Sick Pay
  
• Vacation Pay
  
• Holiday Pay
  

· 5 to 7 years progressively responsible experience in managing 3rd party manufacturers and/or suppliers and a demonstrated track record in successfully developing, negotiating, and managing complex vendor relationships. · Engineering, Operations or Supply Chain Management or other technical degree preferred. · Excellent communications skills with the proven ability to lead, influence and motivate others. · Ability to build positive, lasting relationships · Project Management experience. · Strong strategic planning and tactical decision-making skills. · Initiative-taking and strong analytical/ problem solving skills.