Senior Product Development Manager - Merriam, KS

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YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Product Development Manager will play a critical role in executing Seaboard Foods' product innovation agenda by developing and commercializing value-added pork products across key growth categories. This role is responsible for leading the end-to-end product development process-from concept through commercialization-leveraging expertise in meat science, formulation, processing, and packaging. The position works cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver differentiated, high-quality products aligned with consumer and customer needs. While contributing to innovation strategy, this role is primarily focused on execution, development, and delivery of product initiatives that drive growth in value-added categories.

ABOUT US

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30+ countries, we are committed to bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home. We are a Fortune 500 employer, recently nominated by the Business Journal as one of the "Best Places to Work", representing our dynamic culture, where our employees can contribute and understand why they matter.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.

• Lead end-to-end product development of value-added pork products using a stage-gate process from concept through commercialization
• Develop and optimize product formulations across key categories including bacon, sausage, marinated/seasoned pork, ham, cooked meats and case-ready products
• Translate consumer, customer, and market insights into product concepts that meet evolving retail and foodservice needs
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure successful product commercialization and launch execution
• Ensure products are scalable and manufacturable by aligning formulations with processing capabilities, packaging formats, and plant constraints
• Develop and maintain product specifications and documentation for seamless handoff to product management and operations teams
• Ensure compliance with USDA labeling, claims, and regulatory standards throughout development and commercialization
• Monitor and apply industry trends in ingredients, flavors, packaging, and processing to drive innovation and differentiation
• Support product testing and validation, including sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and customer research (CLTs/IHUTs)
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and continuous improvement in product design, sourcing, and production processes

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action-oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

QUALIFICATION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Meat Science, Food Science, or related field
• 5-8+ years of experience in meat/protein product development, R&D, or innovation
• Hands-on experience in formulation and commercialization of value-added protein products

Preferred:

• Experience with bacon, sausage, marinated/seasoned pork, ham, cooked meats and case-ready products
• Strong knowledge of processing, packaging, and plant operations
• Experience working with retail and/or foodservice customers
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work demands listed here represent those an employee should possess to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The employee must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Primarily an office environment with some need to work in the field.
• The hours and days of work are established by departmental needs and at the discretion of management. After-hours, weekends, and overnight travel as requested.

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

• Medical, vision & dental benefits upon hire
• 401K with company match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee pork purchase program

For a complete list of our benefits please visit our career site: https://www.seaboardfoods.com/careers/why-sbf/

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans' status, status as a disabled individual, or any other status protected by law.