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Title
Text copied to clipboard!Food Development Manager
Description
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We are looking for a Food Development Manager to lead the innovation, development, and improvement of food products within our organization. This role is critical in ensuring that our food offerings meet market demands, comply with safety standards, and align with our brand values. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science, culinary arts, or product development, and possess a passion for creating high-quality, consumer-focused food products.
As a Food Development Manager, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, procurement, quality assurance, and production to bring new food concepts to life. You will be responsible for managing the entire product development lifecycle—from ideation and formulation to testing, scaling, and launch. You will also monitor food trends, conduct competitive analysis, and ensure that all products meet regulatory and nutritional standards.
This position requires strong project management skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of food ingredients, processing techniques, and consumer preferences. You will also be expected to manage budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships to ensure successful product rollouts. The Food Development Manager plays a vital role in driving innovation and maintaining the company’s competitive edge in the food and beverage industry.
Responsibilities
Text copied to clipboard!- Lead the development of new food products from concept to launch
- Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and production teams
- Conduct market research and trend analysis
- Ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards
- Manage product testing and sensory evaluations
- Oversee formulation and ingredient sourcing
- Develop and maintain product specifications and documentation
- Coordinate with suppliers and third-party manufacturers
- Monitor and improve existing product lines
- Manage project timelines and budgets
Requirements
Text copied to clipboard!- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in food product development
- Strong knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Creative mindset with attention to detail
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities
- Experience with sensory evaluation and product testing
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and formulation software
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Understanding of consumer trends and market dynamics
Potential interview questions
Text copied to clipboard!- What experience do you have in food product development?
- Can you describe a successful product you helped bring to market?
- How do you stay informed about food trends and innovations?
- What is your approach to managing cross-functional teams?
- How do you ensure compliance with food safety regulations?
- Describe a time you had to troubleshoot a product formulation issue.
- What tools or software do you use for product development?
- How do you balance creativity with cost and feasibility?
- What role does consumer feedback play in your development process?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment?
