Assistant Product Development Manager Jobs in Iowa

At JOLLY TIME®, we've been making popcorn people love for more than 100 years. As a fifth-generation family-owned company, we're proud of our heritage—but we're even more excited about what's next.

We're looking for an early-career Product Development Specialist who is passionate about food, curious about emerging consumer trends, and excited to help shape the future of popcorn. This is an opportunity to take ownership of innovation projects from concept through commercialization while working alongside experienced leaders who will provide mentorship without micromanagement. Because of our size and collaborative culture, you'll gain exposure to every stage of the product development process and work directly with senior leaders across the organization.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable experimenting in the lab, researching the latest food trends, collaborating with Marketing, Sales, and Operations, and rolling up their sleeves to solve unexpected challenges. This position combines culinary creativity with scientific and manufacturing knowledge to create products that delight consumers while achieving business objectives for quality, cost, manufacturability, and regulatory compliance. You'll have the autonomy to lead projects, the opportunity to influence new products that reach consumers nationwide, and the flexibility to contribute across product development, commercialization, manufacturing support, quality, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions:
Product Development

Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated creativity balanced with scientific rigor
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment
• Naturally curious with a passion for food, flavors, and consumer trends
• Self-starter who thrives with ownership and autonomy
• Comfortable making decisions and moving projects forward independently
• Highly adaptable and enjoys working on a wide variety of technical challenges
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new disciplines
• Collaborative team player who builds strong cross-functional relationships
• Ability to balance creativity with practical business and manufacturing considerations

Language Ability:

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, regulations, correspondence and memos in English. Ability to write both simple and detailed correspondence. Ability to understand and follow instructions. Ability to effectively present information and communicate thoughts, ideas, desires and problems to fellow employees, in both individual and small groups situations, management and other employees of the company on a one-to-one or group basis.

Work Environment:

The work environment is in a manufacturing facility. The environment is often dynamic and collaborative, with collaboration being essential in this role. Employees will contribute to overall production goals, with employees supporting the efficiency and effectiveness of the manufacturing processes. The manufacturing facility involves hands-on tasks, machinery and forklift operation, and adherence to GMPs. This setting requires attention to detail, adherence to protocols, and the ability to adapt to the demands of the company. Working hours outside of standard office hours will be required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires a combination of sitting and standing throughout the workday. Ability to stand for extended periods of time while conducting laboratory work. You will also need to engage in tasks that require periods of standing and mobility. This role requires twisting, bending and reaching during tasks. This role requires adaptability to the changing demands of tasks and responsibilities. Will occasionally be lifting up to 50 lbs. Ability to work safely in lab and plant environments with food ingredients, multiple food allergens, flavor chemicals, and laboratory equipment.

General:

At American Pop Corn Company, our culture is built on our TACT values – Teamwork, Always Learning, Customer First, & Tenacious. We are committed to creating a workplace where employees treat one another with respect, communicate openly, and work collaboratively toward shared goals.

Every employee plays an important role in our success. We are expected to support one another, remain adaptable, and step in when needed to help teammates or serve our customers. Employees are responsible for maintaining our high standards of safety, quality, and sanitation while identifying opportunities to solve problems, improve processes, and increase efficiency. By embracing our continuous learning, taking ownership of our work, and consistently putting our customers first, we strengthen our team and contribute to the long term success of the Company.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Help shape the future of one of America's most iconic popcorn brands
• Join a fifth-generation family-owned company with over 100 years of history
• Lead meaningful innovation projects early in your career
• Work in a collaborative environment where your ideas are encouraged and your contributions are visible
• Enjoy broad exposure across product development, commercialization, manufacturing, quality, and continuous improvement
• Be part of a company investing in innovation, new products, and long-term growth
• See your ideas become products enjoyed by families across the country

What about Benefits?
American Pop Corn Company has an amazing benefits package! Here are just some of our great benefits:

• FREE family health & dental insurance. That's right - JOLLY TIME doesn't charge for these benefits - and it's a major medical plan with full coverage!
• 401(k) with a 4% match
• 6 paid holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Annual Bonus Program
• Referral Bonus
• & More

EOE post-offer drug screen required. E-verify. APCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.