Director of Product Development for Natural Deli & Fresh Products

Description

 Join the Fresh Revolution with F&S Fresh Foods!

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada —every single day!

For over 40 years, we’ve been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers—from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh—from farm to family.

We’re not just about food; we’re about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day.

If you’re ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we’re planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

Join Our Team as a Director of Product Development for Natural Deli and Fresh Products

The Director of Product Development for Natural Deli and Fresh Products will lead the strategy, innovation, and execution of new product development initiatives for a leading fresh prepared foods and produce company. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of market trends, consumer preferences, and technical expertise in fresh, natural, and deli product development. The ideal candidate will work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, supply chain, and sales teams to drive growth, ensure product quality, and maintain competitive advantage in the marketplace.

About the Role  

• Develop and implement a strategic product development roadmap for deli and produce categories that are specifically designed to meet the needs of customers in the Natural/Organic channel and align with company objectives and market opportunities.
• Lead and oversee the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and concept development to commercialization and post-launch optimization.
• Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to source high-quality ingredients and packaging formats 
• Collaborate with operational teams to establish production processes for new items and identify opportunities for capital 
• investment to support new product development or improve operational efficiencies. · Partner with pricing team to establish cost estimates for new products and track throughout development process to ensure formulations are built to meet cost and margin objectives.
• Partner with regulatory and quality assurance teams to establish shelf life recommendations by leading shelf life assessments for finished products and ingredients (as needed) and ensuring compliance with food safety standards and industry regulations.
• Monitor competition and category innovation, identify and evaluate food trends that support business and customer strategy with a rolling two-year horizon
• Work closely with sales and marketing teams to uncover consumer insights to identify unmet needs and opportunities for innovation. Assist in development of compelling product positioning, branding, trade show and go-to-market strategies. 
• Partner with sales to build deeper customer relationships by attending sales meetings to present concepts, by hosting customer specific innovation sessions and through providing technical support to customers as needed. 
• Build and lead a high-performing product development team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Identify and lead productivity projects to drive cost efficiency and margin improvements on existing product portfolio while maintaining product integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success and adjust strategies as needed.

Requirements

What you'll Bring 

We’re looking for a passionate, detail-oriented professional ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Here’s what you’ll need to excel in this role: 

• Strategic Thinking:  Ability to develop and execute long-term product development strategies that drive business growth.
• Innovation & Creativity: Demonstrates a strong ability to create new and unique product concepts that resonate with consumers.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Leads and motivates cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Consumer & Market Insight: Deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior to inform product development.
• Results-Driven: Focuses on achieving business objectives, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality products.
• Adaptability & Agility: Navigates market changes and evolving consumer preferences with a proactive and flexible approach.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to analyze cost structures and drive profitability through efficient product development.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in food product development, with a strong focus on natural deli and fresh products.
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep knowledge of food processing, ingredient and packaging sourcing, and formulation techniques.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends, retail channels, and competitive landscape in the fresh food sector.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

F&S Culture: As we continue to grow and provide leading edge products to our customers, we understand hiring the right people and treating them well is critical to our success. Everything we do starts with our values. These are the beliefs that we share and that strengthen our team. Our values shape our thoughts and actions every day. At F&S its Always FRESH and Always FUN! 

Find the most positive path.

Respond swiftly, accurately, and nimbly.

Earn trust by sharing, helping, and keeping promises.

Serve up safety.

Have each other's backs.

F&S Offers: We are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits program focused on your total well-being.

• Competitive compensation package
• A robust health and welfare benefits package that includes Life, Health, Dental, Vision
• The opportunity to plan for the future with a strong 401(K) including company match!
• Time to recharge with Paid Time Off annually  Paid Holidays
• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance to help you achieve your goals and continue your career growth.

 F&S is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us in shaping the future of F&S Fresh Foods!