Product Development Operations Manager

ABOUT US AT KINDER'S:

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. 
• 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 

Things About the Way We Work:

• 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 embrace 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.

The expected starting salary range for this role is $120,000- $133,000 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.