Reporting to the Director of Innovation of VMS, you will have the opportunity in supporting shape the VMS-Co-Op pipeline
As a Product Innovation Manager, you will play a critical role in leading and supporting the development of new products across the OLLY and SmartyPants brands
This role requires a strong technical foundation in dietary supplements, a passion for innovation, and the ability to drive projects from the exploratory phase through early-stage development with minimal oversight
You work in a fast-paced and agile manner to ensure efficiency and accuracy
Formulation & Benchtop Development
Partner with Sourcing and Science teams to identify, evaluate, and select novel ingredients for new product initiatives
Review and assess raw material documentation during ingredient exploration to ensure compliance and suitability
Conduct benchtop evaluation of raw materials to assess organoleptic properties and identify potential formulation challenges
Independently draft paper formula cards across various formats, including established (e.g., gummies) and emerging dosage formats
Perform early-stage cost modeling to assess formulation cost viability to determine target cost-of-goods to align with financial assumptions
Execute benchtop formulations and generate prototypes for internal evaluation
Document technical findings and formulation learnings in detailed reports to support seamless handoffs to the Development team
Lead early-phase new product development (NPD) workstreams, ensuring alignment with project timelines, milestones, and strategic objectives
Collaborate closely with Brand, Creative, Science, and Development teams to translate technical insights into data-driven decisions shaping the product concept
Support or lead the exploration and development of new product formats and technologies
Professionally engage with external partners—including development agencies, flavor houses, contract manufacturers and ingredient suppliers—to support NPD efforts and ensure technical alignment
Conduct and document sensory evaluations (taste, texture, aroma) with cross-functional stakeholders, maintaining organized records of feedback and data
Monitor and report on emerging ingredient, flavor, and format trends to inform pipeline innovation
Operational Excellence
Maintain accurate and compliant records, including formula cards and lab notebooks, in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
Manage inventory of R&D ingredients, lab supplies, and prototype samples
Oversee the organization and cleanliness of the Product Development kitchen and storage areas
Coordinate sample shipments to internal and external stakeholders
Round 1: Conversation with the Hiring Manager + 1-2 conversations with other Ollies on the team
Round 2: 2-3 conversations with team or cross functional Ollies
Final Round: Homework*
At OLLY, our final round is called Homework
Требования
You excel at hands-on work in a development kitchen setting with little to no oversight and think in disruptive ways to solve problems
5+ years of R&D experience in dietary supplements, food or pharma industry
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
Round 1: Conversation with the Hiring Manager + 1-2 conversations with other Ollies on the team
Round 2: 2-3 conversations with team or cross functional Ollies
Условия
HOURS: Full time, exempt (salary)
TRAVEL: 10% - 15% or as needed
The pay range for this position is $120 ,000 – 158,000 dependent on experience and location
An opportunity to work with an intelligent, inspiring, and extraordinarily fun team
100% employer-paid medical coverage for employee only, dental + ortho, and vision insurance
4 weeks PTO + paid holidays + 12 Mental Health Days per year
