Product Development Manager

About the Role

The Product Development Manager at Pacific Seafood leads the Innovation team in product ideation, feasibility research, and new product development. This role also provides culinary support for senior leadership, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills. The ideal candidate is customer-focused, a strategic thinker, and passionate about the world's healthiest protein.

Responsibilities

• Product Development:
  • Manage new product development initiatives in partnership with the Innovation Team and Sales leadership.
  • Oversee the product development process, including idea conception, feasibility research, ingredient sourcing, recipe creation, and operational production.
  • Create innovative value-added items aligned with market trends and Pacific Seafood guidelines.
  • Assess financial and technical feasibility, estimate product costs, prices, and margins.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with domestic and international R&D vendors.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing leaders on recipe buildout, nutritional requirements, and efficient processes.
  • Manage access to the Chef/Resource kitchen and maintain the kitchen calendar.
  • Ensure all Innovation products align with Pacific Seafood’s reputation, profitability, and customer needs.
• Sales Support:
  • Manage sales-driving activities tied to ideation, R&D, and implementation of Innovation products.
  • Lead and oversee the sampling process through Sales distribution channels, including feedback collection.
• Research:
  • Conduct market research and competitive analysis in collaboration with Marketing.
  • Lead culinary R&D efforts, including customer meetings, cuttings, and product evaluations.
  • Stay current with technology, trends, and regulatory requirements to inform product strategy.
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with Creative Services on training videos and photo shoots.
  • Promote safe food handling standards and work with VCQ Teams to resolve food safety hazards.
  • Assist with product showcase events, food shows, and cooking demos.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, culinary R&D, or related role with successful project management.
• Strong knowledge of culinary trends, food safety regulations, and nutritional requirements.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Proven experience managing teams and resources with strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seafood/protein work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Business Management, or related field.
• Familiarity with market reporting and data analysis tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maintain a stationary position 80% of the time, with intermittent walking, standing, bending, reaching, and/or crawling.
• Ability to lift and transport items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Capable of operating office equipment and communicating effectively with team members.
• Occasional travel required.

Working Conditions

• Traditional office environment with standard office equipment.
• Well-illuminated, quiet to moderate noise level.
• Occasional access to warehouse facility and subtle scents related to production.

Benefits

• Health insurance options (medical, vision, dental, etc.).
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company profit sharing match.
• Paid time off (sick days, holiday pay, vacation, personal time).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Product purchase program.