Product Development Manager

Company Description

KOS is a fast-growing team of over-excited nutrition geeks with a common purpose and an outlandish mission -- to democratize healthy eating, to measurably improve lives and ultimately change our food systems for the better.

We offer plant-based, artisanally crafted protein and other nutrition products made to fuel your engine, while also providing a sustainable protein alternative that leaves a positive impact on the environment.

We're dedicated and friendly. A positive attitude will help you fit in immediately.

You will be appreciated here, that's for sure!

Job Description

KOS is looking to recruit an enthusiastic Product Development Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will report to the Co-Chief Executive Officer/Co-Founder, and work closely with the R&D team to understand customer needs and bring product opportunities to life. This role works across all functional areas of the business to facilitate innovation and drive business values.

The Product Development Manager will be responsible for:

• Identifying growth opportunities and develop product ideas and specifications through meetings with suppliers, attending trade shows, conducting brainstorming sessions with the customers / team, and analyzing consumer, category, competitor, company, ingredient trends, and all other available data;
• Collaborating with appropriate subject matter experts in development of R&D briefs, packaging, pricing, product claims, sales materials and forecasts;
• Developing and gaining organizational alignment to an improved Stage Gate process and underlying platforms;
• Collaborating with Sales and Demand planning teams to deliver innovation forecasts accurately;
• Working closely with the Finance team to develop and manage project P&L's;
• Conducting product testing and ensure that every new product or release meets pre-agreed standards before being released to our customers;
• Driving business value by developing a deep understanding of KOS products and the KOS brand;
• Influencing business decisions relating to partnership and innovation opportunities;
• Building marketing intelligence by understanding, researching, and following trends in the industry and in general;
• Assessing emerging products and companies to measure their potential value or threat to the company and its products, as well as making recommendations on which new technologies to invest in or leverage;
• Understanding and analyzing sales data and sales pipelines;
• Understanding and analyzing customer needs, seeking out new market opportunities and creating a clear product vision and strategy;
• Defining the key features, specifications and requirements of the product based on customer preferences;
• Establishing strategies for product pricing and positioning;
• Conducting competitor research to learn more about customers' needs;
• Working with cross-functional teams to provide inputs and analysis needed to assess the viability and market opportunity of the project;
• Create project timelines and implement schedules and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in product development or related role;
• Knowledge of every aspect of the product development lifecycle;
• Proven ability to manage and supervise multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams;
• Ability to create product development and marketing strategies;
• In-depth knowledge about the industry and product’s users;
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and determine the cause of a plan’s success or failure;
• Ability to analyze complex data to identify market trends and customers’ behaviors;
• Excellent leadership and project management skills;
• Up-to-date with changes in the market and technology that would affect new product development;
• Strong analytical skills with a track record of data-based decision making;
• Detail oriented, with a good ability to review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs);
• Discrete in handling confidential, proprietary, and/or sensitive information;
• Self-starter - comfortable “figuring it out”;
• Multi-tasker who can take the lead and juggle multiple projects at once;
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours as needed;
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently with strong project management and decision-making skills;

Education/Prior Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Project Management, or related field (required);
• Five (5) years prior experience as a Project Manager or Product Development Manager (required);
• Two (2) years supervisory experience as a Project Development Manager (a plus);
• Proven track record of new product development from ideation to launch (required);
• Experience working with the Stage Gate process (required);
• Experience working with regulatory compliance (required);
• Candidate located in Southern California region, Orange County (preferred);
• Interest and/or background in food science (a major plus);

Additional Information

• Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 DOE.
• Remote, salaried, full-time position.
• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, paid time off, sick paid time off, personal time off.
• 401(k) with matching after one year of service.
• Safe, team-oriented work environment.
• *Up to 25% company travel may be required as necessary.*
• *All prospective employees must pass a background check*

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. KOS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all.