New Product Development Manager

Company: United Natural Foods
Location: Edison
Posted on: March 26, 2026

Job Description:

The New Product Development (NPD) Manager will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of innovative products for our private label portfolio. This role is responsible for translating emerging flavor trends, culinary movements, and consumer behaviors into scalable, commercially viable products that differentiate our brands and drive growth. The ideal candidate blends trend forecasting, culinary curiosity, commercial acumen, and cross-functional execution. This individual will proactively source inspiration from leading food markets including New York, Los Angeles, and key European regions, and convert insights into actionable innovation pipelines in partnership with Category Management, Operations, and Sales. The NPD Manager will also be responsible for managing all innovation at our Woodstock Farms Manufacturing plant. Job Responsibilities: Core Responsibilities · Trend & Insight Leadership o Monitor emerging flavor trends, global cuisine movements, ingredient innovations, and cultural food shifts. o Conduct regular competitive landscape reviews across retail, food service, specialty, and international markets. o Build structured reporting on “what’s next” across flavors, formats, and product platforms. o Translate trend insights into clear product opportunity briefs. · Innovation Pipeline Development o Develop and maintain a rolling 12–36 month innovation roadmap. o Identify whitespace opportunities within existing categories and adjacent/new-to-world platforms. o Partner with Product Business Managers to prioritize initiatives based on consumer relevance, margin opportunity, and operational feasibility. o Lead ideation sessions, cross-functional concept development workshops and supplier innovation summits · Concept-to-Launch Execution o Write product briefs including target consumer, flavor profile, price architecture, positioning, and margin targets. o Partner with Product Development QA, and Procurement to ensure concepts are scalable and manufacturable. o Oversee product testing, refinement, and commercialization milestones. o Track post-launch performance and recommend iteration or expansion. Additional Responsibilities · Cross-Functional Collaboration o Work closely with Brand, Packaging, and Design teams to ensure innovation aligns with brand strategy. o Partner with Sales to align innovation with key customer needs and retailer differentiation strategies. o Present innovation pipeline and trend insights to executive leadership Performs other duties as assigned. Job Requirements: Education/ Certifications: · Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Food Technology, Business, Marketing, or related field; Master’s degree, culinary certification, or project management certification is a plus. Experience: · 5 years of experience in CPG or private label food product development, innovation, or commercialization, with proven end?to?end concept?to?launch execution. · Experience translating trends and global cuisine insights into commercially viable products. · Experience developing and managing innovation roadmaps · Strong cross?functional leadership experience across R&D, Operations/Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Design, Category, and Sales. · Experience conducting competitive reviews, whitespace analysis, and post?launch performance tracking. · Experience working in or with manufacturing environments and supporting scale?up and commercialization processes. · Experience in private label, sensory testing, or retailer?focused innovation is a plus. Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities · Strong understanding of emerging food trends, global cuisines, and ingredient innovation. · Ability to translate insights into clear product briefs and actionable innovation concepts. · Knowledge of innovation processes (e.g., stage?gate), commercialization steps, and manufacturability considerations. · Strong analytical skills, including pricing, margin modeling, and feasibility assessment. · Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and cross?functional collaboration skills. · Creative, consumer?centric thinker with strong project management and trend?forecasting abilities · Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available. Work Environment: Hybrid Role: · This position follows a hybrid schedule working in office () days per week. The acceptable split between onsite and remote work is determined by the manager. Hybrid associates may choose to work from an office on a more frequent basis than required. Travel (major): · Travel is required up to 30% for this position. Physical Environment/Demands: Office Roles: · Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment. · Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal. · While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. · Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday. · Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties. · Woodstock Farms: Ability to work in an environment containing tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, sesame, milk and different spices like pepper, chili, etc. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Company: United Natural Foods Inc. Compensation: UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state/provincial and local laws. Benefits: Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program (or retirement savings plan if in Canada); medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account (U.S. only), subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. Sales Positions Only: For sales positions that are commission-based, the above range is an estimate of total potential commission-based compensation during an associate’s first year, but UNFI offers an introductory period minimum of $680 per week. After the introductory period, as a 100% commission-based role, there is no set salary. UNFI’s commission plans are uncapped and average earnings vary depending on territory and sales achieved, among other factors. UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum. Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act or for Canadian applicants in accordance with provincial human rights legislation.

Keywords: United Natural Foods, Elizabeth , New Product Development Manager, Science, Research & Development , Edison, New Jersey