Associate Product Development Manager
Minneapolis, MN
Full Time
Mid Level
Associate Manager, Product Development
Duke Cannon Supply Co. is a growth-oriented CPG company that operates with an entrepreneurial mindset – and has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the men’s grooming category. Our mission is to better the day of hard-working men, and we fulfill this mission through both the products we build and the conversations we create. We have ambitions to become a household brand by taking share from large national players while having fun and giving back to veterans (our cause). We’re looking to hire smart, fun, and wildly talented folks to join us on our journey.
We are currently seeking applicants for the role of Associate Manager, Product Development. This position will be responsible for executing formula research, development, testing, documentation, and commercialization with internal and external partners. This role will lead products from ideation through launch, with involvement in formulation and scale-up activities. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of formulation technical acumen, the ability to work independently, plan strategically, and build strong partnerships.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Product Formulation & Development: Create and share detailed product briefs with TPM’s (third party manufacturers), directing the scope and flow of work to meet critical deadlines, cost targets, and established product aesthetics/performance parameters. Projects will include innovation, cost optimization, technology transfers, and reformulations.
- Product Evaluation: Evaluate new formula submissions through various methods to determine aesthetic and performance fitness.
- Product Testing & Scale-Up: Arrange and execution of required product testing, ensuring products meet minimum testing requirements. Attend necessary pilot and first production batches to ensure they are executed with excellence.
- External Partner Leadership: Active attendance at weekly TPM meetings to ensure project issues are being addressed, and all critical deadlines are being met.
- Product Ideation & Research: Support competitive landscape, ingredient, and technological research/ideation. New ideas are encouraged.
- Document Management: Ensure required product documentation is accurate and complete in advance of each launch.
- Sample Logging & Preparation: Assist in logging all samples, updating spreadsheets for accuracy, and sending samples to external partners.
- Cost Optimization: Partner with the procurement team and TPM’s to move cost-op projects forward and adapt to supply chain challenges.
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or related scientific field.
- 5+ years of experience in product development and/or formulation, specifically in the personal care industry.
- Proven experience commercializing multiple consumer product goods.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, engage, and manage an external network of contract manufacturers and internal stakeholders.
- Collaborative communication and interpersonal skills.
- Creative thinker with a strategic approach to decision-making.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Experience with controlled document systems and OTC’s (over the counter drugs) is preferred but not required.
COMPANY CULTURE
Duke Cannon Supply Co. offers a fast-paced environment where decisions are vetted quickly, and opportunities are relentlessly pursued. We work hard, but we value flexibility as well. We have an informal culture with an emphasis on having fun (we sell soap, after all), though we have the most fun when we exceed our goals. The company’s leaders are dedicated to the growth and development of the team; as such, we want to ensure that our people have a rich and rewarding experience with unique opportunities to grow.
Duke Cannon Supply Co.’s Main Lodge (aka the office) is in Minneapolis’ North Loop, one of the city’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods, with award-winning restaurants, fashionable boutiques, live music and Major League Baseball just steps away.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Duke Cannon offers a competitive market salary and bonus based on role and professional experience. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. Our benefits are top-notch and include health & dental insurance, HSA and 401k programs supported by regular company contributions, a tuition reimbursement program, and monthly parking stipend. We also host monthly moments of Team camaraderie ranging from community service events to social hours in the Main Lodge (aka the office) to Lunch & Learns covering business, team, and industry topics.
Duke Cannon provides equal access to and opportunity in employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
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