Product Development Operations Manager

BUILT ON FLAVOR.  FUELED BY PEOPLE.

What’s it like to work at Kinder’s? Well, there’s a lot of snacking and geeking out over what we all cooked over the weekend. Beyond that, there’s also plenty of hard work. Because we don’t just like flavor, we’re obsessed with it.     

With over 100 products sold nationwide, we’re now a top-five brand in multiple flavor categories at Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and more. We’re not your typical CPG company. Privately held and founder-led, we like to think of ourselves as a pirate ship in a sea of cruise ships. Our crew is adventurous and fearless. We chart our own course and chase big ideas to make food unforgettable.  

As we expand globally and approach $1 billion in revenue, we need more smart-and-scrappy, flavor-obsessed people to come aboard. If you’re looking for a place where you can see the real impact of your work... this is it! Every day, you’ll be part of a journey to add flavor to millions of meals and lives. 

How You'll Have Impact at Kinder's: A Product Development Operations Manager who is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the operational, administrative, and logistical functions of the Product Development (PD) department. This role ensures that systems, documentation, and cross-functional processes run efficiently to support product innovation and successful launches. The PD Operations Manager manages ingredient sourcing, TraceGains administration, departmental procurement, and supports continuous improvement initiatives — ensuring the department operates with excellence and alignment to Kinders’ business goals. 

What You'll Be Doing:

Ingredient Sourcing & TraceGains Management 

• Manage ingredient sourcing, supplier communication, and database accuracy to support PD formulation and compliance needs. 
• Oversee the TraceGains system, including setup, user access, workflow maintenance, and data integrity. 
• Maintain and update all ingredient and product specifications, ensuring traceability and compliance. 
• Lead document control for supplier and product-related documentation. 
• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities to streamline data management and department workflows. 

Departmental Operations & Procurement 

• Oversee all ordering and procurement activities to support PD operations, including: 
• Storage equipment — manage procurement and maintenance. 
• Office supplies — ensure inventory is maintained and replenished efficiently. 
• Kitchen and lab supplies — coordinate purchasing to support testing, demos, and sample creation. 
• Manage costing requests, ensuring accurate and timely cost data for new and existing products. 
• Coordinate pre-production samples, facilitating communication with Quality, Operations, and Procurement. 

Cross-Functional Coordination & Administrative Support 

• Schedule and manage Product Information Sessions and internal communication for product updates. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, and Finance to ensure alignment on documentation, timelines, and deliverables. 
• Provide daily operational and administrative support to the Vice President of Product Development and department teams. 
• Maintain reporting systems, trackers, and documentation to ensure visibility into departmental priorities and progress. 

What You Bring to the Table:

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field required. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in product development operations, R&D support, or food manufacturing (CPG experience preferred). 
• Strong expertise in TraceGains or similar document/specification management platforms.
• Must have experience as a people manager (2-4 people)
• Proven track record in process management, procurement coordination, and cross-functional communication. 
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with a strong attention to detail. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively. 

Personal Characteristics:

• Accountability 
• Detail Orientation / Analytical Thinking 
• Solutions Oriented 
• Communication Effectiveness 
• Prioritization / Time Management 
• Flexibility / Adaptability 
• Customer Focus 
• Learning Agility 

The expected starting salary range for this role is $120,000- $135,000 per year. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role. The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.

SEASONED FOR SUCCESS:

• No two days here are the same. 
• We try to be good team members and good communicators, but we don’t live by hierarchy and structure – everyone is a difference maker here. 
• We make a lot of decisions in the face of incomplete information – our team embraces ambiguity and tries to make good decisions fast rather than great decisions slow. 
• We believe our job is to take smart risk, not to eliminate risk. 
• We believe in growing our skills and becoming a better company with more managerial expertise, but we are an entrepreneurial company at heart. 
• We aren’t trying to be average – we want to do exceptional things, and we are willing to work hard to achieve them. 

BENEFITS THAT BRING MORE TO THE TABLE:

We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave. Kinder’s benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.  

OUR RECIPE FOR BALANCE:

We believe great culture starts with people. We’re a people-first company built on connection, collaboration, and balance. Most of our work happens in the office to spark creativity and community, but we also offer flexibility so team members have the autonomy to work outside the office when needed to support their work-life balance and personal commitments.

WHERE EVERY INGREDIENT MATTERS:

Kinder's is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, as well as any other legally-protected characteristic. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need any accommodation during the application process or to perform these job requirements, please reach out to us at careers@kinders.com