Product Development & Category Manager

About Vale

Vale is on a mission to make exceptional matcha simple. We believe premium matcha shouldn't require complicated preparation or years of experience to enjoy. Through thoughtfully designed products, beautiful packaging, and uncompromising quality, we're redefining how people experience matcha every day.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for someone who thrives in bringing products to life—from the first idea through launch and into ongoing optimization.

Position Summary

The Product Development & Category Manager will own Vale's end-to-end product development pipeline, serving as the primary bridge between Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and external suppliers.

This role is responsible for ensuring new products launch on time, packaging and regulatory deliverables are complete, product information is accurate, and every stakeholder has what they need throughout commercialization.

The ideal candidate is equal parts project manager, product developer, food scientist, and operator—someone who enjoys building systems, sweating the details, and turning great ideas into successful products.

Responsibilities

Own the Product Development Pipeline

• Manage the complete product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization
• Build and maintain product development timelines, launch calendars, and project trackers
• Coordinate all cross-functional deliverables to ensure launches stay on schedule
• Identify project risks early and proactively resolve bottlenecks
• Lead recurring cross-functional product development meetings

Product Development

• Partner with Marketing to translate product concepts into commercially viable products
• Coordinate formulation development with manufacturing partners
• Manage product sampling, revisions, testing, approvals, and commercialization
• Oversee pilot runs, production trials, and first production approvals
• Support continuous improvement of existing products based on customer feedback and manufacturing learnings
• Evaluate new ingredients, suppliers, and product opportunities

Product Information Management

Maintain and own all product documentation including:

• Product specifications
• Manage sample requests and approvals
• Track ingredient changes and packaging updates
• Ingredient lists
• Formulas
• Packaging specs
• Nutrition information
• UPCs
• Case pack information
• Product dimensions
• Shipping specifications
• Manufacturing documentation
• Product launch checklists

Marketing Support

Partner closely with Marketing by providing:

• Accurate product information
• Ingredient education
• Claims support
• Product launch timelines
• Packaging approvals
• Product photography samples
• Website product specifications
• Retailer documentation
• Sales sheets and specification documents

Process Improvement

• Build scalable systems for product development
• Improve documentation processes
• Standardize launch workflows
• Develop SOPs across commercialization
• Continuously optimize cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or related field
• 3–6 years of experience in food product development, commercialization, or CPG
• Experience working with co-manufacturers or food manufacturing facilities
• Experience with packaging development and print production
• Knowledge of food regulations, ingredient specifications, and quality systems
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple product launches simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and creative teams
• Strong attention to detail

Success in This Role

Within your first year, you'll:

• Own Vale's entire product development roadmap
• Build a best-in-class commercialization process that keeps launches on schedule
• Create a centralized source of truth for every product specification and packaging asset
• Ensure all packaging and regulatory deliverables are accurate and launch-ready
• Improve communication between Marketing, Operations, and manufacturing partners
• Help Vale bring innovative new products to market faster while maintaining exceptional quality

Benefits

• Company funded Orca card
• Company equity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Unlimited matcha!