Product Development Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Customer-Facing Project Product Development Manager is a key role within our Sales Department, responsible for coordinating cross-functional projects that directly impact strategic customer relationships. This role will act as the central point of contact between sales, production, R&D, and operations to ensure successful onboarding, product launches, packaging changes, and custom initiatives. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is a plus but not required to facilitate communication across teams and customers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as the main point of contact for customer-driven product development lead project liaison between customers and internal departments for new product introductions, packaging transitions, and custom program launches.
2. Lead end-to-end product creation: from ideas and samples to testing and launch. Create and manage detailed project timelines, deliverables, and status updates, ensuring alignment with customer expectations.
3. Anticipate challenges and proactively manage risks, timelines, and changes to scope.
4. Organize and lead innovation sessions with customers and internal teamsEnsure all internal stakeholders (Sales, Production, QA, Procurement, R&D) are aligned on project milestones and responsibilities.
5. Support Sales Managers by translating customer requirements into clear internal action plans.
6. Prepare project documentation including briefs, specs, meeting notes, and follow-up communications.
7. Participate in customer meetings (virtual and in-person) to represent Mama Lolas with professionalism and clarity.
8. Help track and follow up on commercial samples, pricing approvals, and product trials.
9. Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure customer programs meet quality standards and production capabilities.
10. Facilitate hand-offs from Sales to Operations and ensure a smooth transition from planning to execution.
11. Work with Culinary, QA, Operations, and Procurement to evaluate product ideas
12. Provide clear documentation and specs to support commercialization
13. Identify opportunities to streamline project workflows, communication, and hand-offs.
14. Contribute to the development of tools and templates to improve project efficiency and customer responsiveness.
15. Track performance of new items, collect customer feedback, and recommend improvements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

1. 3-5 years of experience in project management, customer service, or sales support, culinary of food science backgroumnd is a plus and CPG environment.
2. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities simultaneously.
3. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
4. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is a plus but not required.
5. Familiarity with food manufacturing operations and terminology is a plus.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Monday.com, Excel, or similar).
7. Bachelors degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or related field preferred.
8. A team player who is creative, organized, and detail-oriented

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time.
2. Occasional walking or standing to observe operations, attend meetings or coordinate with teams.
3. Ability to lift or carry light materials, up to 20 pounds.
4. Visual acuity to read screens, spreadsheets, packaging specs and product details
5. Ability to use type and frequent use of hands

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE EXCITING

• Opportunity to lead creative food innovation and shape new product offerings
• Work directly with customers and represent Mama Lolas at trade shows and product demos
• Be part of a hands-on, team-oriented environment with support from all departments
• Involved in product testing, sensory panels, and internal tastings
• Room to grow into leadership roles within product development and innovation
• ad creative food innovation and shape new product offerings
• Work directly with customers and represent Mama Lolas at trade shows and product demos
• Be part of a hands-on, team-oriented environment with support from all departments
• Involved in product testing, sensory panels, and internal tastings
• Room to grow into leadership roles within product development and innovation