62 Hillyard Product Development Manager Jobs Hiring Near You

This role leads the development and commercialization of new consumer snack food products across our operations for the US and Canadian grocery, foodservice and private label markets.

The New Product Development (NPD) Manager serves as the bridge between commercial opportunities and R&D — translating customer and sales requests into products that are technically feasible, operationally scalable, and financially viable. This role plays a key part in growing our sales and distribution via new product launches and existing product line-extensions.  This is a highly cross-functional position that partners closely with Sales, Customers, Operations, R&D, Production, and Quality teams to ensure products can be successfully developed, produced, and brought to market quickly and effectively
Responsibilities

· This role leads the development and commercialization of new consumer Snack Food products across multiple product categories including Candy/Confectionary, Crackers, Cookies, Ready-to-Drink Beverages

· The New Product Development (NPD) Manager serves as the bridge between commercial opportunities and operational execution — translating customer and sales requests into products that are technically feasible, operationally scalable, and financially viable

· This role plays a key part in evaluating profitability, production readiness, packaging solutions, and manufacturing processes for both new and existing product line extensions

· This is a highly cross-functional position that partners closely with Sales, Operations, R&D, and Quality teams to ensure products can be successfully developed, produced, and brought to market quickly and effectively

· Lead the development and commercialization of new consumer snack food products

· Partner closely with Sales teams to evaluate customer requests, market opportunities, and product feasibility

· Build detailed product cost models and product launch plans

· Develop technical specifications, SOPs, product data sheets, and production documentation in conjunction with R&D Teams

· Coordinate product trials, sample runs, and consumer testing

· Partner with R&D teams to establish technical specifications for raw materials, ingredients, and packaging that meet US FDA and Canadian CFIA guidelines

· Support Quality and Food Safety teams to ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and operational standards

· Retail, foodservice, or private-label product development

Qualifications

· 5+ years of experience in New Product Development and Commercialization of consumer packaged goods food products, including Private Label/OEM

· Strong understanding of food production processes, product costing, packaging design, and product launch

· Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Customers, Operations, R&D, and Quality teams

· Strong understanding of current packaged foods trends in USA and Canada

· Strong understanding of US FDA and Canadian CFIA labelling and packaging guidelines

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with advanced Microsoft Office and Adobe Illustrator proficiency

· Ability to balance commercial needs with operational realities and profitability targets

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

· Clear communicator with strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills

· Ability to travel within North American and overseas

· Bilingual English/Mandarin proficiency is a big plus