Role Overview
The
Development Manager
will lead the formulation development, technical project management, and client interface for new product development (NPD) and product improvements. This role is central in bridging commercial, technical, and operational teams to deliver innovative, compliant, and scalable nutritional products.
The Development Manager will oversee projects from concept through scale-up and commercialization, ensuring customer satisfaction, technical feasibility, and alignment with regulatory and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Project Leadership
* Manage end-to-end product development projects, from concept and formulation to pilot, trials, scale-up, and full production.
* Act as primary point of contact with customers on development projects.
* Ensure project timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
* Formulation & Technical Development
* Lead formulation design and optimization for dry blends, powders, and capsules to meet customer requirements.
* Oversee feasibility testing, stability studies, and scale-up trials.
* Partner with R&D, quality, procurement, and operations to ensure technical viability and cost-effectiveness.
* Customer & Commercial Engagement
* Translate customer requirements into clear development briefs and technical specifications.
* Provide technical insights during customer meetings, supporting sales with formulation and process expertise.
* Support pricing and costing exercises for new products.
* Regulatory & Quality Compliance
* Ensure all new product developments comply with relevant regulations (e.g., FDA, EFSA, cGMP).
* Maintain accurate product documentation, formulations, and specifications.
* Support audits and regulatory inspections as required.
* Team Collaboration & Leadership
* Mentor junior scientists, technicians, or development staff.
* Foster cross-functional collaboration with commercial, supply chain, and operations teams.
* Drive continuous improvement in development processes and innovation pipeline.
Qualifications & Skills
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
* 5+ years' experience in product development, R&D, or technical project management within nutrition, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
* Strong knowledge of dry powder blends, capsule filling, and related processing technologies.
* Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (FDA, EFSA, GMP, HACCP).
* Proven project management and customer-facing skills.
* Strong problem-solving ability with attention to detail.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Why Join Us?
* Opportunity to lead development for innovative nutrition and wellness brands.
* Collaborative culture with cross-functional exposure.
* Competitive compensation and benefits package.
* Growth potential within a rapidly expanding contract manufacturing business.
Do you want me to pitch this
more as a technical R&D role
(hands-on formulation, lab trials) or
more as a commercial-facing role
(customer development, project management, business growth)?