Freelance Private Label Product Development Jobs

At CJ Schwan's, we don't just make food - we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron, bibigo, Tony's, Big Daddy's, Freschetta, Pagoda, Edwards and Mrs. Smith's. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

We are looking for a strategic Product Portfolio Manager to lead the growth of our Private Label portfolio for key customers. In this high-impact role, you'll define portfolio strategy, uncover new growth opportunities, and bring innovative, customer-focused products to market. Partnering across Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality, you'll drive products from concept to commercialization while strengthening customer relationships and delivering profitable growth. This role will be based out of our new HQ in Hopkins, MN.

What You Will Do:

• Own the commercial strategy and overall performance of an assigned Private Label product portfolio.
• Identify growth opportunities through market trends, customer insights, competitive intelligence, and portfolio analysis.
• Lead the prioritization and commercialization of new products while optimizing the existing portfolio throughout its lifecycle.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to successfully bring new products to market and accelerate speed to commercialization.
• Collaborate with Sales to develop customer-specific product strategies, support bids, and deliver innovative solutions that meet evolving customer needs.
• Use data and business insights to evaluate portfolio performance, recommend strategic actions, and influence key business decisions.
• Serve as the voice of the customer throughout the product development process, ensuring commercial priorities and customer expectations are reflected in business decisions.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred) with 5+ years of experience in customer marketing, commercialization, category management, product management, or a related commercial role.
• Experience managing product portfolios or leading commercialization initiatives; Private Label experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of product strategy, category insights, customer development, and commercial execution.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and lead initiatives across Sales, Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, and Quality.
• Strong analytical, financial, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to translate insights into business results.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $93,000 to $154,000 annually, with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan's and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.