Job Description
Our client, Thrive Farmers, is dedicated to making a positive impact. Based in Roswell, GA, Thrive Farmers has earned global recognition as one of the world’s most impactful companies, committed to creating sustainable success for farmers and enriching communities worldwide. They operate with a unique business model that redefines the supply chain as a chain of values. Integrity leads to transparency, which in turn fosters prosperity, and prosperity ultimately results in exceptional quality. From the start of a customer’s morning to the end of a farmer’s day, their work creates meaningful change at every level.
With a strong foundation built on entrepreneurial spirit, genuine relationships, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to high-quality products, the company continues to lead the transformation of the agricultural landscape.
Position Summary
The Product Development Associate Manager plays a pivotal role in bringing Thrive Farmers’ beverage innovations to life from idea to market. This hands-on, entrepreneurial role bridges science, creativity, and execution, managing day-to-day product development activities such as lab work, ingredient sourcing, and prototype testing while also driving broader project timelines and innovation goals. You’ll collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and external R&D partners to support and lead the formulation, testing, and scale-up of new beverages, flavor systems, and clean-label products. The ideal candidate combines curiosity, technical expertise, and organizational strength with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude to balance both strategic oversight and practical execution. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where ideas move quickly, and innovation is celebrated.
Responsibilities :
New Product Development Process Management
- Drive day-to-day execution of the product development roadmap, ensuring progress across all phases
- Schedule, prepare, and facilitate NPD meetings, document discussions, and track key decisions
- Follow up on action items and maintain accountability across cross-functional teams
- Maintain and update the project tracker, including timelines, phase status, and next steps
- Assist in preparing gate review presentations and post-launch recaps, summarizing insights and outcomes for stakeholders
Product Development Support
Collaborate with the Senior R&D Consultant to develop and refine new beverage formulasPrepare and present product samples for internal tastings, sensory panels, and customer demonstrations.Coordinate and facilitate tasting sessions, compile feedback, and summarize actionable insights.Oversee the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the R&D Lab, including equipment and inventory.Maintain a structured digital archive of R&D materials, including formulas, test data, and trial documentationDevelop and manage internal materials, such as sample labels, kitchen test sheets, cost breakdowns, and trial summariesSupport and help lead pilot production runs, stability tests, and line trials, ensuring accurate documentation and communication of resultsSupply Chain Coordination
Coordinate logistics for shipping ingredients, samples, and materials to co-packers, labs, and external partners, ensuring timely deliveryOversee purchasing and invoicing of R&D materials, samples, and development services, maintaining accuracy and budget alignmentTrack and manage inventory of samples, packaging, and test ingredients, ensuring availability for ongoing projectsEnsure ingredient readiness for pilot runs and production line trials, proactively addressing potential delays or issuesMarketing & Customer Engagement Support
Plan and lead product tastings for customers, partners, and internal teams, gathering actionable feedback to inform product decisionsCollaborate with Sales to prepare presentations, product information, and supporting materialsPartner with Marketing to evaluate packaging usability, size, functionality, and cost considerations, providing recommendations for improvementCreate product visuals, photos, and technical sheets as needed to support internal teams and external presentationsCollect and analyze competitive benchmarks, consumer insights, and pricing data to guide product positioning and development strategyQualifications
Bachelor's degree in food science, Chemistry, Biology, or related technical discipline.3+ years of hands-on experience in product development (beverage preferred; food acceptable).Experience managing innovation or NPD projects from concept to launch.Exposure quality management, formulation, and supplier engagement.Analytical thinker with curiosity for the market and emerging technologies.Curious and proactive in using AI tools to support product research, trend spotting, documentation, or workflow efficienciesStrong communication and project management skills.Experience in small to mid-sized environments preferred.