Product Development Manager in Emeryville, California at Miss Jones Baking Co.

About Miss Jones Baking Co.

Miss Jones Baking Co. is a fast-growing consumer packaged goods company creating clean-label baking mixes and contemporary decorating products for retailers including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Walmart, and Costco. Founded more than 10 years ago, we are committed to bringing innovation to the baking aisle and serving as a creative resource for home bakers. Our team works hands-on in our test kitchen to develop new products, recipes, and decorating techniques that help customers bake more—and bake better.

FLSA Classification

Salary, Exempt

The role includes employer-sponsored benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Location

This is an onsite position based in Emeryville, CA. For candidates located in or within commuting distance of Emeryville, there may be an opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement.

Direct Supervisor

Director, Brand & Innovation

Position Summary

The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end technical execution of new product development from concept through commercialization. As part of a lean, high-performing team, this role manages multiple complex and fast-paced product development initiatives across a variety of baking and decorating formats. The position partners cross-functionally with R&D, Sourcing, Operations, Quality/Regulatory, Product Design, suppliers, and manufacturing partners to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective products while ensuring successful technical execution, scalable solutions, and continuity throughout the product lifecycle.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

· Partners closely with cross-functional teams including Sourcing, Ops, Product Design PD Lead, R&D, and Quality/Regulatory teams as well as company leadership to deliver high-quality products that meet consumer, business, and timeline expectations

· Collaborates with R&D and Sourcing to apply strategic problem-solving skills to complex, ambiguous challenges and proposes scalable solutions

· Maintains and strengthens effective working relationships with contract manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, and key internal partners to ensure successful technical execution and long-term collaboration

· Works with Operations and Supply Chain to support technical transfers, secondary sourcing, and continuous improvement initiatives

· Partners closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet all applicable quality standards throughout the product lifecycle

· Demonstrates strong cross-functional leadership and communication, translating complex technical topics into clear, actionable insights

· Responsible for requesting and inputting all required specs and inputs at a defined cost target

· Leads development and approval of technical documentation of all product components including NFP, packaging, specifications and weights

· Identifies and mitigates technical and execution risks through proactive planning and solution development

· Champions continuous improvement & innovation

· Drives continuous product improvement initiatives related to quality, cost optimization, performance, and consumer experience

· Proactively identifies opportunities for process improvement, innovation, and technical capability building across the product portfolio

Required Qualifications & Skills

· 3-5+ years experience in food product development with a proven track record of successful product launches

· Experience across concept development, scale-up, and commercialization

· Experience creating and managing technical documentation that meets quality,

· financial and regulatory requirements - ideal candidate is highly organized with strong attention to technical detail

· Proven ability to lead complex projects, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and deliver results in a fast-paced, agile environment attention to detail and problem-solving skills

· Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Desired Qualifications & Traits

· In-depth experience in the Baking category a plus

· Creative mindset and interest in product innovation

· Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

· Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

· Extended periods of standing required

· Ability to taste and evaluate a variety of products.

· Exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, airborne particles, and machinery.

· Local, on-site presence required in Emeryville, CA, travel minimal

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.