Product Development & Sourcing Manager - Confectionery

Shameless Snacks, part of eJam Inc., is a consumer products company creating better-for-you candy and confectionery products. The Product Development & Sourcing Manager will lead the formulation, sourcing, scale-up, and production of gummies, chews, and other confectionery products while managing suppliers, manufacturers, compliance, and launch coordination.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, formulation, and production of better-for-you candy products (gummies, chews, etc.)
• Collaborate with flavor houses, ingredient suppliers, and contract manufacturers to bring products from concept to launch
• Translate brand product briefs into commercially viable formulations that meet nutritional and sensory standards
• Conduct factory visits, pilot trials, and first production runs to ensure formulation and scale-up success
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring quality, compliance, and cost efficiency
• Partner with internal teams (packaging, marketing, compliance) to prepare each product for launch
• Stay informed on ingredient innovations, flavor systems, and new technologies in confectionery

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in non-chocolate confectionery development, ideally gummies, chews, or sugar-free candy
• Proven experience formulating and manufacturing products in the better-for-you or functional food category
• Deep technical knowledge of gelatin, pectin, starch systems, sugar alcohols, and alternative sweeteners
• Hands-on experience managing flavor development, sensory testing, and factory-scale production
• Familiarity with FDA and international food labeling and safety standards
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Excellent communication, organization, and follow-through in high-growth environments