Manager Product Development

This posting is for an existing temporary vacancy ending on July 2nd 2027.

SUMMARY:
The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of private label products that support category strategies and uphold Metros brand standards for quality performance and value. Working closely with internal cross-functional teams and external vendor partners this role provides technical sensory and quality expertise throughout the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will manage multiple projects from concept through launch ensuring quality products and customer satisfaction are consistently achieved.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage the development of private label products from strategic concept through commercialization ensuring alignment with category objectives brand standards quality expectations and regulatory requirements.
- Manage product development activities within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems maintaining accurate and timely project updates throughout the development process.
- Create detailed product specifications to support sourcing initiatives and vendor bids.
- Participate in sensory evaluations across food categories and provide objective fact-driven feedback to support product optimization and selection.
- Ensure product claims attributes and preparation instructions are evaluated and accurately documented
- Conduct technical and sensory assessments of products from prospective and alternate suppliers providing feedback based on quality performance and customer expectations.
- Review validate and approve product specifications formulations and supporting technical documentation.
- Investigate and resolve formulation related issues associated with first production ingredient changes and supplier reformulations.
- Serve as a technical resource for Corporate Brands Procurement and vendor partners providing category and product expertise as required.
- Conduct market assessments competitive benchmarking and product evaluations to identify potential opportunities and ensure alignment with consumer and industry trends.
- Support assortment reviews trend analysis and product research initiatives that contribute to category development growth and strategic decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science Nutrition Chemistry or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 57 years experience within the food industry preferably in Product Development or Private Label development.
- Experience in sensory evaluation across food categories.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel Word Outlook and Teams.
- Experience with SAP is considered an asset.
- Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and/or Product Portfolio Management (PPM) systems is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of food regulations manufacturing processes and quality systems.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
- Excellent analytical problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
- Self-motivated proactive and results oriented.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative cross-functional team environment.

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