Manager, Global Product Development

About GNC

Since 1935, GNC has been a global leader in health and wellness innovation, inspiring people to achieve their goals with a trusted and dynamic range of products. As #TeamGNC, we prioritize our consumers, constantly collaborating and developing new ideas to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Our team is passionate about driving change and turning aspirations into actions. We believe that good health is the greatest gift, and there's nothing more rewarding than helping others achieve it. Join us in empowering others to Live Well!

What We’re Looking For:

At GNC we embrace a “Live Well” philosophy, fostering a dynamic environment where innovation meets passion. Whether someone is an athlete or just starting to focus on their health, we want to deliver the cutting-edge products they deserve. We are looking for an individual who is excited and eager to play a pivotal role in driving excellence in the health and wellness industry. This position offers the opportunity to engage in a collaborative environment where you will make a personal impact every day.

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on, and collaborative Manager, Global Product Development to lead cross-functional product initiatives from concept to commercialization. This role will be critical in managing the product lifecycle, partnering across markets, and driving innovation that aligns with our global growth strategy.

What You’ll Do:

This is a Full-Time Salary Position

The Manager, Global Product Development is responsible for supervising and managing activities of project manager(s) and/or associate project manager(s) across their respective projects for new product development from ideation to commercialization. This role ensures product and project specifications, scope and budget parameters are achieved to meet required marketing dates. They oversee and enhance departmental operations, identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency, and deliver training and guidance to support staff to achieve and surpass departmental and organizational objectives.

Product Development & Innovation Process:

Manage and supervise all projects and product development activities of GNC branded products from ideation to commercialization and shipment (e.g., solid dose, powders, liquids, chewable, gummies, bars, snacks)

Collaborate with brand and product design on innovation. Set up meetings and lead discussions to gain an understanding of the overall product vision, formula, and financial targets.

Develop comprehensive timelines by identifying key milestones and duration requirements. Ensure due dates are achieved and replan timelines as needed.

Consider potential risk and reassess throughout the product life cycle. Actively supervise and participate in trouble shooting by utilizing past experiences and problem-solving skills.

Complete detailed cost analysis by working with sourcing, technical PD, and product design to determine a preliminary cost. Utilize analysis to validate and negotiate cost reduction with bidding manufacturers.

Work with leadership to determine bidding strategy. Develop RFQs, evaluate vendor submissions, and create detailed comparison summaries to support informed awarding of business.

Develop a forecast for raw material needs to share with sourcing. Coordinate with manufacturing partners so GNC preferred pricing is reflected in product cost.

Collaborate with technical manager to ensure products meet desired requirements. Monitor sample timing, prototype approval, facts panel values and documentation collection. Participate in sensory evaluations and discussions to drive decisions best for the product and our consumer.

Initiate the artwork process and provide required details and documentation. Work closely with the packaging team to ensure artwork tasks are achievable within the established timeline. Provide die-lines and conduct fill studies to ensure the product utilizes the appropriate packaging size.

Interact with the quality department to gather requirements from the prototype stage through commercial production and release.

Reporting and Communication

Provide regular updates on project status to cross functional teams in a concise format to include status, challenges, and issue resolution throughout the lifecycle of the project. Alert teams of any concerns that may jeopardize the committed ship date.

Oversee weekly manufacturing calls and internal product development meetings. Create and update presentations to help lead discussions. Prepare and share meeting notes and outline next steps.

Identify the need for and arrange meetings outside of established calls to quickly address situations. Efficiently update internal/external partners and determine best path forward.

Strengthen existing contract manufacturing relationships.

Complete a postmortem analysis to identify processes that worked efficiently and those that did not. Utilize these findings to develop/expand SOPs for continued process improvements.

Leadership

Mentor and develop direct reports. Provide guidance in management of their specific projects and personal development goals.

Analyze workflow and assign projects and tasks to direct reports.

Establish leadership role among department peers. Build a collaborative team and recognize pain points to drive improvements throughout the process.

Drive cross-functional collaboration to define scope of a project that upholds brand, margin and timeline requirements.

Lead and influence a broad cross-functional network of partners, including Brand, Product Design, Sourcing, Inventory Planning, Packaging, Business Units, Quality, Legal, Manufacturing, and Material partners.

Assist in creation and execution of departmental best practices and SOPs.

Environmental Factors & Working Schedule:

Hybrid work environment, 3 days in-person attendance (Pittsburgh, PA) in addition to remote work.

Participate in sensory evaluations which include consuming dietary supplements.

Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands or fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include long periods of computer screen usage, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low/moderate.

*To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key accountabilities of the job required.

10+ years experience in product development or project management in consumer health packaged goods products.

Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s) a plus; PMP certification preferred.

Previous managerial and supervisory experience.

High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications; ability to learn new systems.

Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), and planning skills.

Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, and reasoning).

Solid understanding and application of mathematical concepts.

Ability to critically read technical documents/formulations, identify and trouble-shoot challenges, and analyze next steps and timing.

Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as internal and external clients.

Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.

Ability to work influence peers and senior management.

Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.