Product Development Coordinator

Leaf Side is a mission-driven food company making it easier than ever to eat healthy, whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) meals every day. Our products are crafted by award-winning chefs and backed by nutritional science to deliver maximum taste, convenience, and health benefits — all made entirely from whole plant foods. We are seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Product Development Coordinator to help us create the next generation of life-changing foods.

As a Product Development Coordinator, you will be the operational engine of our product team. You'll manage the end-to-end process of bringing new meals from concept to kitchen, coordinating with chefs, suppliers, and our manufacturing team. This is a hands-on role for someone who is highly organized, passionate about food science, and deeply aligned with our mission to make healthy eating the easy default.

• Coordinate Product Lifecycle
  :
  Manage timelines, documentation, and communication for new product development and existing product improvements. Focuses on translating successful lab formulations into commercially viable manufacturing processes; designs and modifies equipment and line layouts for new product runs; optimizes efficiencies and reduces waste.
• Supplier & Ingredient Management
  :
  Source, vet, and coordinate with suppliers for new whole-food ingredients, ensuring quality and mission alignment.
• Recipe & Prototyping Support
  :
  Work with our culinary team to organize recipe testing, taste-test panels, and feedback collection.
• Data & System Management
  :
  Meticulously track product specs, costs, and project status in detailed spreadsheets and project management tools. Ensures all new products and reformulations comply with FDA/USDA/international labeling laws; manages ingredient declarations, nutrition facts panel (NFP) generation, and allergen control documentation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  :
  Act as the link between Product, Marketing, and Production teams to ensure smooth launches.

• Mission Alignment
  :
  Must be vegan, plant-based, or genuinely passionate about health and Leaf Side's mission. This is non-negotiable.
• Organizational Excellence
  :
  Minimum 3 years of food development / food science experience in a coordination, operations, or project support role. You thrive on creating order from chaos.
• Technical Proficiency
  :
  Intermediate or advanced skills in spreadsheets (Google Sheets/Excel); experience with project management software (e.g., Click Up, Asana).
• Core Traits
  :
  Exceptionally detail-oriented, resourceful, and a proactive problem-solver. You have a "doer" mentality and high agency.
• Communication Skills
  :
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience in the food & beverage industry, especially with CPG.
• Understanding of vegan and WFPB nutrition (e.g., familiar with Dr. Greger's work, Lifestyle Medicine).
• Basic knowledge of food science or culinary skills.

• A Launchpad, Not a Dead End
  :
  This is your on-ramp to a career in product development at an established, mission-driven company. Growth potential is determined by your performance and drive.
• Live the Mission
  :
  Employee discount and complimentary Leaf Side meals every workday (a $2,500+ yearly value).
• See Your Work Drive Change
  :
  Every product you help launch directly impacts our mission and our customers' health.
• Mentorship &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work alongside and learn from our seasoned team.
• Benefits:
  Health, dental, and vision insurance, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plans are offered.
• Time Off: 3 weeks of total time off per year (5 sick days and 7 vacation days), which are accrued per pay period, in addition to 8 paid holidays.
• Team Culture:
  Off-site team events, like volunteering at local animal sanctuaries or community gardens.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

• Do you have any food allergies that would prevent you from safely taste-testing or working in a facility that processes nuts, soy, wheat, coconut, sesame, and other…