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OLLY PBC · 1 day ago

Product Innovation Manager

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$120K/yr - $158K/yr

5+ years exp

OLLY PBC is part of the VMS Co-Op, a growing group in the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements space. The Product Innovation Manager will lead the development of new products for the OLLY and SmartyPants brands, collaborating across teams to drive innovation and manage projects from inception through early development stages.

FitnessFood and BeverageHealth CareManufacturingWellness

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

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

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

Qualification

R&D experienceDietary supplements knowledgeFormulation developmentFDA guidelines familiarityCommercialization process knowledgeLab equipment proficiencyMicrosoft Office proficiencyCritical thinkingCreative problem solvingTeam collaboration

Required

5+ years of R&D experience in dietary supplements, food or pharma industry

Bachelor's degree in food science, Chemistry, or related science field

Familiarity with FDA guidelines for dietary supplementation and regulatory processes

Familiarity with commercialization process of CPG and Pharma products with focus on gummies, capsules, probiotic formulations and confectionary goods

Comfortable working with kitchen tools and supplies and preparing confectionary, solid and/or non-solid dosage formats

Familiarity with lab equipment (pH meter, Brix Meter, analytical balance, etc.)

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ability to perform medium physical work, stand for extended periods of time, and lift up to 50lbs occasionally

Working knowledge of vitamins and dietary supplement formulation, assessing stability data and risks, regulatory standings, and assessing clinical studies

Ability to execute daily routines and tasks with little to no physical supervision

Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with condensed timelines to deliver innovation quickly to meet consumer demands

An individual with a strong sense of determination, critical thinker as well as having a creative lens to solve problems in non-traditional ways

An individual who is can be 'Tactfully Transparent' to raise concerns and early findings to help learn from mistakes

Not afraid to 'Grab A Paddle' and help out!