Manager Product Development

SUMMARY:

The product development manager works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop private label products in accordance with category strategies and ensure product performance and quality adhere to brand standards and expectations.  This position will be responsible for providing technical, sensory, and quality expertise to Metro Inc. teams and vendors, as well as supporting out for bids with product specification creation.
 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the development of corporate brand products from strategy presentation to hand-off, to ensure brand standards are met, preparation / handling instructions are tested, key product attributes are communicated, and specifications are completed.
• Manage product lifecycle through PLM by maintaining updates throughout the development process and specification creation for product bids.
• Participate in product sensory evaluations, providing honest feedback in a group setting.
• Conduct product evaluations of potential alternate suppliers and provide recommendations to the business teams.
• Collect, review, and approve product specifications for approved product formulations.
• Resolve formulation related issues that may arise from first production, and/or vendor ingredient/formulation changes. 
• Provide product/category technical expertise to Corporate Brands, procurement, and vendors as required.
• Conduct market reviews, product evaluations and make recommendations to align with competitive landscape.
• Participate in assortment analysis and trend/ product research as required.
• Other projects as assigned.
   

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree
• 5 - 7 years related experience in the food industry
• Proficient in Excel, Word, and Outlook platform, including Teams. 
• French speaking is an asset.
• SAP experience would be an asset.
• PLM/PPM experience would be an asset.
• Minimal travel

SKILLS:

• Highly organized, meticulous, and able to effectively manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work both collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, and independently as required.
• Very good communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical, proactive, and solution driven.
   

Work location would be Etobicoke at 5559 Dundas Street west.  The team works remotely 2-3 days a week. mandatory in office Wednesdays and Fridays, occasional Mondays.

This is a temporary role until May, 2024.