Product Development Manager

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Yost Foods, Inc. is seeking a full-time driven and innovative Product Development Manager to lead our Product Development and Regulatory Compliance teams. This role is critical in delivering high-quality, safe, and commercially successful food ingredients while fostering a high-performance, collaborative team grounded in our core values.

WHY JOIN YOST FOODS?

• $140,000 - $160,000 per year based on experience
• Safe working environment – PPE and continuous training
• PTO available after 60-day introductory period
• 9 paid holidays
• 401K with company match
• Company paid health insurance for employee – available after 30 days
• Be a part of a company that values innovation, teamwork and customer success
• Lead impactful projects from concept to commercialization
• Work in an environment focused on growth, learning, and excellence

How You’ll Make an Impact:

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor Product Development and Regulatory Compliance teams, setting clear priorities and development goals.

• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Foster a creative, problem-solving environment that promotes innovation and high performance.

• Manage, coach, and develop staff while ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Project & Product Development Execution

• Drive multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery, accuracy, and audit-ready documentation.

• Develop new product concepts and prototypes through all stages of bench development to commercialization.

• Lead cross-functional efforts to scale up and launch new products successfully.

• Support product optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Expertise & Collaboration

• Provide technical leadership and support across Sales, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and customers.

• Assist Sales by translating customer needs into viable product solutions and supporting new business development.

• Maintain proactive communication with customers throughout the product lifecycle.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all products meet or exceed SQF standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

• Maintain compliance with FDA labeling regulations, HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, and food safety systems.

• Lead efforts to validate processes, maintain documentation, and support audits.

• Investigate customer complaints and drive corrective actions.

Knowledge & Expertise:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• 5–7 years of experience in food research & development
• Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively

Technical Expertise

• Proven experience with Ready-to-Eat and Aw/pH-controlled product development
• Strong knowledge of: FDA labeling regulations, HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, and regulatory compliance
• Culinary experience is a plus

If you’re a strategic leader with a passion for food innovation and team development, we’d love to hear from you!

*Hiring not finalized until the successful completion of background check*

Since 1991, the knowledgeable and experienced team at Yost Foods, Inc. has been dedicated to providing manufacturers with high value food ingredients, product development, distribution, and custom manufacturing services.

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