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Food Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MetaOption, LLC

Product Development Scientist

Ayer, MA · On-site

Product Development Scientist Skills: scientist, Food Science, Nutrition, product development experience from concept to commercialization in nutrition, food, beverage, supplement, nutraceutical, or ...

5th HQ

Product Development Manager

Pembroke Pines, FL

$80K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Product Development Manager to lead our R&D efforts in an FDA ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related field. * Experience: A minimum ...

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How much do food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Product Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Product Development, you need expertise in food science, sensory evaluation, and recipe formulation, typically backed by a degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations, and product lifecycle management software is often required. Strong project management, creativity, and teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These abilities are essential because they ensure products are innovative, safe, and compliant while meeting consumer demands and business objectives.

What do you do as a food product developer?

A food product developer designs, tests, and refines new food products to meet consumer preferences and safety standards. They conduct research, create prototypes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams using tools like sensory evaluation and food science techniques to bring products from concept to market.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Food Product Development?

Food Product Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, nutrition, cost, and shelf-life while adhering to strict food safety and regulatory standards. They may need to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and troubleshoot issues that arise during product testing or manufacturing scale-up. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain, is key to overcoming these obstacles and launching successful products. This dynamic environment requires flexibility and a continual willingness to learn and innovate.

What is a Food Product Development job?

A Food Product Development job involves creating new food products or improving existing ones by experimenting with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques. Professionals in this field work closely with food scientists, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure products meet consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and cost requirements. They conduct research, test recipes, and oversee production trials to bring safe, high-quality, and marketable food items to store shelves.

How much do product developers get paid?

Food product developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in food science, culinary arts, and familiarity with product testing are important for higher compensation.

How to get into food product development?

To enter food product development, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in food manufacturing or research helps develop relevant skills such as product formulation, sensory evaluation, and knowledge of food safety standards. Strong communication, creativity, and familiarity with industry tools like CAD or lab equipment are also beneficial.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food and Beverage Directors or Corporate Food Service Managers tend to be among the highest paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees or certifications in food management or hospitality. Salary levels vary based on company size, location, and responsibilities.
More about Food Product Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Food Product Development job openings:
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Food Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Product Development - Food / CPG / Manufacturing

Product Development - Food / CPG / Manufacturing

Nassau Candy

Hicksville, NY • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Nassau Candy rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description


Product Development Manager

On site – Hicksville, NY

???? Who We Are:

Nassau Candy is a leading manufacturer and distributor in the confectionery, gourmet food, and private-label industries. With decades of expertise, we provide high-quality products to retailers across the nation. Our expansive portfolio includes a variety of confections, specialty foods, and customized solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.

???? What We Stand For and Where You'll Come In:

Nassau Candy is seeking a creative and well-rounded manager for their Product Development team. This team member will be responsible for strategic category planning for their line of business and development and executions of new products. Responsible for all aspects of product construction and can create thoughtful and accurate costing models.

???? Core Values That Drive Us

  • ???? One Team: Collaboration and alignment across all departments.
  • ???? Innovation & Adaptability: We welcome change and act proactively.
  • ????️ Customer-Centric: Our customers’ growth is our growth.
  • ???? Execution with Excellence: We focus on impact and results.
  • ???? Data-Driven Decisions: We act on insights and validate our approach.

???? How You’ll Make an Impact

Critical skills for success include leadership and accountability, critical thinking, sound financial acumen, multi-tasking, problem solving, time management, and strong communication / follow-up skills. Must thrive in a very fast-paced environment and possess a quick learning curve.

**THIS IS NOT A DEVELOPER / TECH ROLE**

Primary functions of this role, include but are not limited to:

Product Development:

  • Develop new everyday and seasonal food items for private label customers
  • Own and manage entire product development process from new item concept through to first production run
  • Provide leadership and foster effective cross-functional team collaboration (R&D, Packaging, Purchasing, Production, and Creative) to launch products successfully and on time
  • Lead customer pricing process of new items; work with Production and suppliers to ensure costs and assumptions are accurately captured in pricing models (see more below)
  • Work closely with Sales team to partner on development of new products as requested by key customers and manage process to create samples and pricing
  • Partner with Marketing to provide clear direction of look and feel for new items as well as positioning in sales collateral and e-commerce

Product Costing:

  • Oversee costing models for all product development customer inquiries including manufacturing, labor, raw materials, packaging, and transportation
  • Analyze product formulas to determine loss and yield and update often to ensure accurate costing.
  • Collaborate with production team to verify labor output and confirm all costs are accurate and reflected in costing models
  • Ensure concerns and challenges around product development and costs are addressed throughout the process
  • Deliver pricing recommendation which meets company and customer profit margin benchmarks, while ensuring a competitive retail price to the consumer

Category Management:

  • Analyze and understand category statistics and business implications
  • Identify competitive white space and new product opportunities
  • Develop strategic plans and recommendations for product line execution

Efficiencies:

  • Identify and implement process improvement opportunities
  • Perform ongoing analysis of costing model to maintain accurate costs and customer pricing
  • Monitor and manage on-time responses to customers’ RFQs

Development:

  • Potential to manage direct reports
  • Provide mentorship of junior associates to develop skill set and confidence in approach to product management and costing

✅ We’re Excited About You Because You...

  • Have a Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or finance; expertise in consumer product development; food experience is ideal.
  • Possess thorough knowledge of financial costing, and in-depth knowledge of product construction and manufacturing
  • Have 6+ years in product development in food, R&D, or manufacturing.
  • Can successfully lead cross-functional teams and see projects through.
  • Blend creativity and analytical thinking.
  • Are passionate about and have a strong pulse on food trends and consumer preferences.
  • Have strong Excel & Microsoft Office skills

???? Office Guidelines

This is an in-office role based at our headquarters in Hicksville, NY. We thrive on face-to-face collaboration and believe it enhances problem-solving, creativity, and connection.

???? Ready to Join Us?

Be part of a company where your ideas matter, your impact is visible, and your passion drives success. Apply now to help shape the future of innovation at Nassau Candy.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer





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