Levels · 2 days ago
Product Development Manager
Florida, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expLevels is dedicated to creating high-quality protein products for consumers who prioritize nutrition. The Product Development Manager will oversee the entire lifecycle of product development, from ideation to commercialization, ensuring that products meet the company's standards for quality and performance.
Dietary SupplementsE-CommerceManufacturingNutrition
Hiring Manager
Larry Curran
Responsibilities
Own product development from ideation, feasibility, and formulation through commercialization and post-launch management
Translate product briefs into executable formulations that align with brand, cost, and regulatory requirements
Manage active product lines including reformulations, line extensions, cost optimization, and quality improvements
Lead development of ready-to-mix (RTM) powder formulations, with deep understanding of protein systems, sweeteners, flavors, solubility, and stability
Demonstrated ability to formulate independently while also knowing when and how to leverage external expertise
Work hands-on with third-party formulators, flavor houses, and technical partners to supplement internal formulation where required
Manage RTD product development including emulsified systems and shelf-stable beverages
Demonstrated experience with ultra-filtered milk–based RTDs, including formulation constraints, processing considerations, and stability
Evaluate ingredients, suppliers, and processing methods with a focus on quality, scalability, and commercial feasibility
Own development pathways for RTD products across emulsified and dairy-based systems
Understand processing methods such as UHT, ESL, and aseptic as they relate to RTDs
Partner with co-manufacturers to ensure formulations are production-ready and scalable
Own packaging development across powders and RTDs, including material selection, compatibility, shelf-life, and regulatory compliance
Partner with packaging suppliers on bottles, cartons, tubs, bags, labels, and closures
Ensure packaging aligns with product requirements, manufacturing constraints, and brand standards
Build and maintain SOPs, formulation documentation, specifications, and change-control processes
Maintain organized product development records including formulas, trials, approvals, and vendor communications
Support regulatory, QA, and supply chain teams with accurate and complete documentation
Act as the product development lead across Marketing, Ops, Supply Chain, QA, and external partners
Drive timelines, decision-making, and accountability across complex development workflows
Identify risks early and proactively solve for quality, cost, and scalability challenges
Qualification
Required
7–10 years of direct product development experience in food, beverage, or sports nutrition
5+ years of hands-on experience developing ready-to-mix (RTM) powder products, owning formulation from concept through commercialization
3+ years of experience developing RTD beverages, including emulsified systems
Direct experience with ultra-filtered milk–based RTDs is required
Experience managing products post-launch, including reformulations, cost improvements, and quality optimization
Experience formulating independently and working directly with third-party formulators, flavor houses, and co-manufacturers
Strong understanding of powder formulation, ingredient functionality, and processing considerations
Deep familiarity with RTD beverage systems, stability, and processing constraints
Working knowledge of packaging materials and compatibility for both powders and RTDs
Experience building and maintaining SOPs, specs, and development documentation
Solid understanding of regulatory and quality considerations in food and beverage
Preferred
Experience in sports nutrition, protein, dairy-based beverages, or functional nutrition
Experience scaling products into national retail or club channels
Familiarity with clean-label formulation and cost-conscious ingredient strategies
Company
Levels
Levels offers minimal ingredient protein powders, including Whey Protein and Collagen Peptides, free from artificial additives.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase