Job Description

If you’re interested in an exciting career in a fast paced, dynamic company, the position of Product Development Manager at Frankford Candy LLC in Philadelphia is the opportunity you’re looking for. Frankford is the leading supplier of licensed brand confections in the United States. Our partners include brands like Disney, NBC Universal, M&M’s, Oreo, and more.

Frankford’s marketing effort is built on creative, fast-to-market product development and the Product Development Manager is at the center of this effort. Our process is fast-paced, and dynamic requiring superior organizational skills, flexibility and the ability to handle tight deadlines, seasonal workload peaks. While our process is challenging, if you’re motivated and able to adapt to our dynamic environment, this position will offer you on opportunity to manage all aspects of your seasonal business unit including creative ideation, product design and factory collaboration to produce great product that delivers value to our customers and consumers.

We are currently searching for a skilled Product Development Manager to join our dynamic team. The Product Development Manager is responsible for all phases of development for a seasonal business unit. This includes new product development, cost reduction and product customization for key retail customers. Product development responsibilities range from concept through final production, delivering product on-spec and on-cost while adhering to company calendar milestones.

The Product Development Manager manages seasonal development with cross-functional groups including marketing, design, sales, quality, etc. to guide the product line through the entire product lifecycle. Responsibilities include concept development against marketing NPD directives, prototype development, costing, preparation of sales materials, customer special specifications, licensor approvals and final production approval.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Main point of contact with internal manufacturing and outside vendor partners to design and execute new products from concept stage to retail.
• Utilizes both in-house chocolate manufacturing capabilities as well as a global network of supplier partners to execute product development.
• Collaborate with appropriate departments to ensure the product line is delivered on time and according to specifications.
• Support strategic retailer development efforts with product concepts, custom development and pack adjustments to support retailers’ unique requirements.
• Develop product specifications, prototypes and build product P&L’s. Find solutions where necessary to meet company profitability goals.
• Direct weekly team meetings to update development progress, escalate issues needing resolution, gain consensus where necessary, etc.
• Prioritize workload and direct teamwork assignments to deliver a broad program of products according to company milestones.
• Re-source high volume products to drive costs down and improve supply chain efficiency.
• Responsible for administrative tracking of product development status and approvals.
• Responsible for final product quality and packaging integrity.

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Product Development or Marketing.
• 5+ years in product development and project management.
• Experience working with domestic and overseas suppliers.
• Experience with product sourcing is a plus.
• Experience working with licensed brands a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience involving collaboration with multiple departments.
• Problem solver, with hands on, enthusiastic approach to finding solutions.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to take direction and be flexible as projects evolve and require coarse adjustments.
• Willingness to manage through seasonal workload peaks.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to administrative detail.
• Well versed in Microsoft Office a must, experience with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
• Able to travel internationally and domestically.

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