Product Development Manager - Confectionery Innovation

📍Location: Flexible – Ideally based near one of our manufacturing sites in Vietnam, Thailand, Turkey, India, or China.

🕒 Employment Type: Full-time

About Donna Mello

Donna Mello is an international confectionery company with strategic operations in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Israel, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and key European markets. We bring global scale with local precision, delivering agile product development and reliable manufacturing solutions for leading brands, distributors, and retailers.

Our facilities and in-house quality control teams uphold the highest industry standards, including BRC, IFS, ISO, HACCP, and more, ensuring product integrity and consistency at every stage and destination. Today, Donna Mello products are available in over 25,000 retail outlets, including Costco, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, TJ Maxx, and other major retailers worldwide.

Role Overview

We’re seeking a passionate and hands-on Product Development Manager to join our innovation team and play a key role in developing new confectionery products and expanding our manufacturing network. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, sourcing, logistics, and quality assurance, to bring future-forward and technically sound products to market swiftly and successfully.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and develop new confectionery products per market trends and customer demands.

• Collaborate with our global network of manufacturing partners to create and refine products for scalability and quality.

• Manage product customization and OEM projects based on client requirements.

• Coordinate sample shipments globally, working closely with the logistics team.

• Visit factories to oversee pilot and production runs and ensure product integrity and process efficiency.

• Conduct market research and monitor trends, food regulations, and new technologies in the global confectionery space.

• Ensure all product formulations and processes comply with international standards and food safety regulations.

• Identify and evaluate new suppliers and manufacturing opportunities.

• Represent the company at exhibitions, trade shows, and industry events when needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or other relevant fields related to food production or product development.

• 4–6 years of experience in product development or R&D, ideally within the confectionery, snacks, or broader food industry.

• Solid technical knowledge of candy and chocolate processing (e.g., gummies, lollipops, nougat, coatings).

• Strong understanding of international compliance standards and regulatory frameworks (mainly USA, Canada, Europe, UAE)—including nutrition facts, ingredient approvals, and labeling requirements.

• High integrity and commitment to quality.

• Excellent communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Comfortable working across cultures and time zones in a fast-paced, globally distributed team.

What We Offer

• Be at the Forefront of Innovation: The opportunity to lead and shape exciting, trend-setting confectionery innovations enjoyed across global markets.

• Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary reflective of your expertise and impact.

• Remote Flexibility: Fully remote work setup with flexible hours.

• Global Exposure & Travel: Opportunities for international travel to key manufacturing and innovation hubs, trade shows, and industry events.

• Career Advancement: Clear advancement paths and sponsored access to global conferences, certifications, and ongoing professional development.

• Impact-Driven and Collaborative Culture: A flat, transparent organization that values initiative, input, and cross-functional teamwork.

• Inclusive & Diverse Team: We foster a respectful, globally minded workplace where different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued and contribute meaningfully to our collective success.