Product development manager (contractor)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Product Development Manager (Contractor) based in United States.

This short-term, high-impact role is designed for an experienced CPG professional who can quickly take ownership of active product development initiatives.

You will manage projects across formulation, packaging, suppliers, commercialization, and cross-functional teams.

Your focus will be on keeping existing development pipelines moving, resolving roadblocks, and ensuring critical milestones are delivered on time.

You will work closely with operations and external partners to manage costs, manufacturing readiness, quality, and regulatory requirements.

The role offers the opportunity to directly influence upcoming launches across ecommerce and major retail channels.

Success requires strong execution, excellent organization, and the ability to step into an established workflow with minimal ramp-up.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys turning product plans into successful market launches.

Accountabilities:

• Take immediate ownership of active product development lifecycles, ensuring key milestones are achieved from formulation approval through final production.
• Partner with Operations to monitor project budgets, product costing, and margin targets across active product developments.
• Drive final selection and approval of raw materials, formulations, and packaging components.
• Manage relationships with contract manufacturers, formulators, fragrance houses, packaging suppliers, and other external development partners to prevent delays and maintain project momentum.
• Ensure products meet applicable federal, state, and industry regulatory and quality requirements, including relevant EPA, Safer Choice, and EWG standards.
• Serve as the central coordination point for product development, collaborating closely with Brand, Operations, Regulatory/Legal, Creative, and Retail teams.
• Maintain detailed project timelines and proactively identify risks, dependencies, and roadblocks affecting upcoming launches.
• Develop and execute solutions to mitigate delays and keep projects aligned with launch objectives.
• Oversee final commercialization activities, including manufacturing readiness, quality control checks, completion of product content, and handoff to the scale team.
• Coordinate vendor and R&D deliverables while maintaining clear communication and accountability across stakeholders.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in Product Development, R&D, Product Management, Operations, Buying, or a related function within the CPG industry.
• Hands-on experience developing and launching consumer products from concept through commercialization.
• Experience in cleaning products, household goods, beauty, or personal care is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience working with contract manufacturers, formulators, packaging suppliers, fragrance houses, or other product development partners.
• Working knowledge of product formulation, ingredients, packaging development, manufacturing, and commercialization processes.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives, stakeholders, and tight deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. consumer product and retail landscape.
• Experience with sustainable packaging, natural or plant-based formulations, or environmentally focused consumer brands is a plus.
• Familiarity with retailer requirements, specifications, and documentation for major channels such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon is desirable.
• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions quickly, and take ownership with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable entering an established team and workflow with limited ramp-up time.
• Strong ability to coordinate internal and external stakeholders and maintain momentum across complex product development activities.

Benefits:

• Independent Contractor engagement.
• 2–3 month project duration with an immediate start.
• Compensation of $40–$60 per hour.
• Project-based role focused on active product development pipelines and near-term launches.
• Opportunity to work across formulation, packaging, manufacturing, regulatory, operations, and commercialization.
• Direct exposure to ecommerce and major brick-and-mortar retail channels.
• High-impact opportunity to contribute to consumer products focused on effective, naturally derived, and environmentally conscious solutions.
• Remote work is supported by the role description, with Boston, MA listed as the engagement location.

How Jobgether works:

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

#LI-CL1