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*
Monday - Friday in person in Brunswick, Ohio