Job Description
WHO ARE WE?
We are the VMS Co-Op, a group of fast growing companies in the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) space. The VMS Co-Op includes OLLY, SmartyPants and future acquisitions to come! This position’s home company is OLLY.
THE ROLE: SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
The Senior Product Development Manager is a senior-level individual contributor and people leader within the OLLY organization. This role owns end-to-end technical delivery of new product development (NPD) and lifecycle management initiatives, leading complex projects across multiple dosage forms from concept through commercialization. The role partners closely with cross-functional teams including Brand, Innovation, Technical Services, and Quality/Regulatory teams to deliver high-quality, compliant products that meet consumer, business, and timeline expectations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Development Leadership
- Independently lead multiple, complex product development programs across various dosage formats from technical brief through scale-up and commercial production.
- Serve as the primary technical owner and decision-maker for assigned projects, ensuring delivery of milestones on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives.
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen effective working relationships with contract manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, and key internal partners to ensure successful technical execution and long-term collaboration.
- Provide hands-on technical leadership to co-manufacturers, proactively troubleshooting formulation, processing, and scale-up challenges.
- Operates with a high degree of autonomy, setting technical direction and influencing prioritization across projects.
- Applies strategic problem-solving skills to complex, ambiguous challenges and proposes scalable solutions.
- Demonstrates strong cross-functional leadership and communication, translating complex technical topics into clear, actionable insights.
- Models company values, provides constructive feedback, and supports team capability development through informal mentorship and collaboration.
CrossFunctional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet all applicable CFR, GMP, and internal quality standards throughout the product lifecycle.
- Collaborate with Brand, Innovation, and Marketing partners on sensory development, product optimization, and consumer testing initiatives.
- Work with Operations and Supply Chain to support technical transfers, secondary sourcing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Technical Documentation & Compliance
- Lead development and approval of technical documentation including product briefs, specifications, formulas, stability protocols, and commercialization documentation.
- Manage stability programs including protocol creation, sample coordination, data review, and trend analysis.
- Identify and mitigate technical and execution risks through proactive planning and solution development.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Drive continuous product improvement initiatives related to quality, cost optimization, performance, and consumer experience.
- Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement, innovation, and technical capability building across the product portfolio.
CAPABILITIES + SKILLS REQUIRED
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline (advanced degree a plus).
- 6–9+ years of experience in dietary supplement and/or food product development with a proven track record of successful product launches.
- Deep technical expertise across formulation, processing, scale-up, and commercialization. Experience with Gummy PD required as well as in depth knowledge of the VMS category.
- Strong working knowledge of CFR, GMP requirements, and ingredient functionality in foods and supplements.
- Experience creating and managing technical documentation that meets quality and regulatory requirements.
- Proven ability to lead complex projects, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and deliver results in a fast-paced, agile environment.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Initial video screen with a member of our Talent team
- Round 1: Conversation with the Hiring Manager + 1-2 conversations with other Ollies on the team
- Round 2: 2-3 conversations with team or cross functional Ollies
- Final Round: Homework*
*At OLLY, our final round is called Homework. Candidates who participate in this round are given 3 questions in advance to answer and present to the interview panel they previously spoke with in the process. We understand every candidate is different. If you need a reasonable accommodation to adjust this procedure, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can evaluate and provide other options that work for your needs
THE DETAILS
LOCATION: Remote, USA
HOURS: Full time, exempt (salary)
TRAVEL: Up to ~25% domestic travel
MANAGER: Director, Product Development
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The pay range for this position is $126,720.00 - $174,240.00. For this remote role, compensation is determined based on geographic location and experience, and the final offer will reflect these factors within the posted range.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- An opportunity to work with an intelligent, inspiring, and extraordinarily fun team
- 100% employer-paid medical coverage for employee only, dental + ortho, and vision insurance
- 4 weeks PTO + paid holidays + 12 Mental Health Days per year
- 100% Paid parental leave, Fertility + Adoption Benefits
- Annual Bonus
- 401(k) plan with Employer Match
- Hybrid Work + Wellness + Cell Phone Stipends
- Free product
- And much more!
