Product Development Manager

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Yost Foods, Inc. is seeking a full-time driven and innovative Product Development Manager to lead our Product Development and Regulatory Compliance teams. This role is critical in delivering high-quality, safe, and commercially successful food ingredients while fostering a high-performance, collaborative team grounded in our core values.

• $140,000 - $160,000 per year based on experience
• Safe working environment – PPE and continuous training
• PTO available after 60-day introductory period
• 9 paid holidays
• 401K with company match
• Company paid health insurance for employee – available after 30 days
• Be a part of a company that values innovation, teamwork and customer success
• Lead impactful projects from concept to commercialization
• Work in an environment focused on growth, learning, and excellence

• Lead and mentor Product Development and Regulatory Compliance teams, setting clear priorities and development goals.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Foster a creative, problem‑solving environment that promotes innovation and high performance.
• Manage, coach, and develop staff while ensuring alignment with company objectives.

• Drive multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring on‑time delivery, accuracy, and audit‑ready documentation.
• Develop new product concepts and prototypes through all stages of bench development to commercialization.
• Lead cross‑functional efforts to scale up and launch new products successfully.
• Support product optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide technical leadership and support across Sales, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and customers.
• Assist Sales by translating customer needs into viable product solutions and supporting new business development.
• Maintain proactive communication with customers throughout the product lifecycle.

• Ensure all products meet or exceed SQF standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain compliance with FDA labeling regulations, HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, and food safety systems.
• Lead efforts to validate processes, maintain documentation, and support audits.
• Investigate customer complaints and drive corrective actions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• 5–7 years of experience in food research & development
• Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively

• Proven experience with Ready-to‑Eat and Aw/pH‑controlled product development
• Strong knowledge of: FDA labeling regulations, HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, and regulatory compliance
• Culinary experience is a plus

If you’re a strategic leader with a passion for food innovation and team development, we’d love to hear from you!

Hiring not finalized until the successful completion of background check

Since 1991, the knowledgeable and experienced team at Yost Foods, Inc. has been dedicated to providing manufacturers with high value food ingredients, product development, distribution, and custom manufacturing services.