Product Life Cycle Manager

**FOOD MANUFACTURING**

**PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE MANAGER**

Come join a GROWING and Inclusive team, with cake all the time, anytime - yum: )

We’re passionate about making simply the best cakes Our roots go back to Naples, Italy, where our family’s tradition for the art of baking inspired the many original and unique recipes we bake today. In 1986, we moved to Canada and continue the tradition of offering our classic favorites in addition to new and exciting flavours that are available at thousands of foodservice, grocery, Club stores, and fine food retailers.

At La Rocca Creative Cakes, you will have the opportunity to work with an energetic team who shares a passion for success. You will have a diverse experience and training opportunities that will help build your skills and career.

If you love a challenge and have a passion for food, we want to hear from you.
- The Role: _

The Product Life Cycle Manager is responsible for:

- The efficient and effective management of product launches, including new items, item changes, and the end of life cycle de-commercialization process, all within a FOOD MANUFACTURING / BAKERY environment.
- Leading and participating in key Product Development department projects as assigned.
- Leveraging their project management skills to aid cross-functional teams to work better, faster, and deliver accelerated results.
- Responsibilities: _

The following is not intended to be all inclusive or restrictive; other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Product Life Cycle Management:
Leads and manages product life cycle from conception through launch and de-commercialization:

- Establishes project milestones and critical timelines to track product launches to meet commercialization and de-commercialization deliverables
- Enhances project management tools and software with cross functional teams
- Identifies process gaps and required enhancements. Works with cross-functional teams to evolve processes and procedures to close gaps and streamline.
- Leads and engages with cross-functional teams (Product Developers, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality Assurance, Sales & Marketing and Operations) to ensure milestones are being met and each stakeholder is delivering
- Follows up with team members and can escalate urgency when approaching critical milestones and timelines with key stakeholders
- Establish a communication process on project activity with key management members
- Enhances and evolves post launch process

Product Development Support:

- Manages development timelines and oversees innovation schedule in collaboration with Director of & Strategic Development to ensure the team meets key development targets
- Supports Product Development team with documentation completion, sourcing new ingredients, and administrative work

Performance Indicators:

- Ability to manage cross-functional teams
- Unify and enhance all innovation at La Rocca
- Brings structure and consistency to the commercialization and the de-commercialization process

Knowledge & Skills & Abilities:

- 3 - 5+ years experience in similar role in a food manufacturing environment (bakery industry preferred)
- Food Manufacturing experience is mandatory
- Food Science degree strongly recommended
- Excellent Project management & communication skills (verbal and written) required
- Experience in commercializing new BAKERY products in a large FOOD manufacturer setting required
- Strong knowledge of formulation design and food costing
- Versed in GMP, food safety, HACCP and other regulatory requirement
- Food service and retail market knowledge an asset
- Experience with recipe management software an asset

Additional pay:

- Bonus pay

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

**Experience**:

- food management: 3 years (preferred)