Vitaco Health Group Looking for New Product Development Manager – Sport & Food at Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand Full Time

New Product Development Manager (Food and Sports)

Vitaco is a dynamic and innovative leading Health and Wellbeing company at the intersection of food and sports with leading Sports and Foods brands like Musashi, Healtheries and Aussie Bodies. We are committed to creating exceptional products that support active, sports focused and health-conscious individuals alike. Our passion for excellence drives us to continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of nutrition and wellness. Based in Auckland we have world class manufacturing facilities at the heart of our ambition to empower Healthier Lives, and live our values of We Care, We Act, We Succeed.

Job Position

Are you a creative and strategic thinker with a passion for food and sports nutrition, whilst also have attention to detail? Do you have a track record of successfully developing and launching new products in the food industry? If so, we want you to join our team as a New Product Development Manager. Reporting to the GM of Innovation & Supply Chain you will need to effectively lead the New Product Development team and have the capability to work at speed, manage competing priorities and achieve technical excellence whilst maintaining creativity, being essential to success.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the product development process from product brief to commercialisation for our food and sports nutrition products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, production, regulatory and quality assurance, to ensure successful product launches.
• Generate new product ideas and concepts that align with market demands and company goals.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to meet product development goals.
• Formulate product specifications, including ingredients, nutritional profiles, and packaging.
• Work closely with suppliers and co-manufacturers to source high-quality ingredients and ensure product quality.
• Oversee product testing, including taste tests, sensory evaluations, and quality control.
• Stay up to date with industry regulations and ensure compliance with food safety and labelling requirements.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to support marketing strategies and 3-year product pipeline.
• Monitor product performance post-launch and make adjustments as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field.
• Proven experience in new product development in the food and sports nutrition industry (Ideally >12 years).
• Strong leadership skills managing teams of greater than 5 people.
• Strong understanding of food science, nutrition, and formulation.
• Ensure product sensory programme is maintained as part of the NPD process.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage budgets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication, teamwork skills, ability to inspire, mentor and coach a team to successful outcomes.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to food and sports nutrition products.
• Creativity and a passion for innovation.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• A collaborative, fun, flexible and dynamic work environment.
• A day off on your birthday
• Great staff discounts
• The chance to be part of a team that is passionate about creating products that make a difference in people’s lives.

If you are a driven and creative individual who is ready to take on the challenge of developing cutting-edge food and sports nutrition products, we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this position to [email address].

Join us in our mission to empower healthier lives through active and health-conscious individuals with the world class products on the market. Your expertise and passion can help us make a real impact! Join our team! APPLY NOW and become part of the Vitaco team.