Product Development Manager - Hospitality Goods & Custom Manufacturing

Product Development Manager - Hospitality Goods & Custom Manufacturing Vanderlyn Hospitality Group Culver City, CA Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $110,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Customer communication Cost control Schedule management Bachelor's degree Attention to detail Organizational skills Stakeholder relationship building Stakeholder management

Full Job Description Product Development Manager Location:

Los Angeles, CA Reports To:

Director of Operations About Vanderlyn Hospitality Group Vanderlyn is a vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier serving the world's finest hotels. Our company specializes in custom design, development, and prompt distribution of bespoke guest amenities and OS&E (Operating Supplies and Equipment) products. We are dedicated to elevating the guest experience through tailored solutions, exceptional customer service, and operational excellence. Position Summary The Product Development Manager will lead the development, execution, and commercialization of hospitality amenity programs, with a primary focus on liquid personal care products including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hand soap, and other guest-facing amenities. This role is responsible for managing the entire product development lifecycle, from concept and formulation through packaging development, production, and launch. The Product Development Manager will serve as the primary liaison between Vanderlyn, our hotel clients, contract manufacturers, packaging suppliers, fragrance houses, and testing laboratories to ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in coordinating multiple development projects simultaneously. They must be comfortable managing external partners, navigating technical product requirements, and collaborating cross-functionally to bring innovative hospitality products to market. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Program Management Lead hospitality amenity development projects from concept through commercialization Develop and maintain project timelines, milestone trackers, launch schedules, and status reports Coordinate cross-functional activities to ensure projects remain on schedule and aligned with client expectations Manage multiple development programs simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines Facilitate project meetings and communicate progress, risks, and action items to internal stakeholders Formula Development & Product Approvals Manage the development and approval process for liquid personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, body washes, hand soaps, and related amenities Coordinate formula submissions, evaluations, testing, revisions, and final approvals with clients and manufacturing partners Work closely with fragrance houses, formulation laboratories, and contract manufacturers to achieve brand objectives and performance expectations Maintain version control and documentation for formulas, specifications, testing results, and approvals Ensure all products meet quality, safety, regulatory, and client-specific requirements Packaging Development & Artwork Management Coordinate packaging development, including component sourcing, material selection, decoration methods, and production specifications Manage artwork reviews, packaging approvals, and pre-production proofing processes Ensure packaging meets brand standards, sustainability objectives, operational requirements, and cost targets Oversee packaging testing, compatibility validation, and production readiness Maintain packaging specifications, dielines, and technical documentation Vendor & Manufacturing Management Manage relationships with contract manufacturers, packaging suppliers, testing laboratories, fragrance partners, and other external vendors Source and evaluate new suppliers to support product innovation, cost savings, and supply chain resilience Establish project timelines, deliverables, and performance expectations with external partners Monitor supplier performance and proactively address quality, production, or timeline concerns Collaborate with Procurement and Operations to support production planning and inventory requirements Compliance, Documentation & Quality Assurance Maintain accurate technical packages, bills of materials (BOMs), product specifications, and supplier documentation Coordinate product testing, stability studies, compatibility testing, and regulatory documentation as required Partner with Legal and Regulatory stakeholders to ensure claims, labeling, and packaging comply with applicable requirements Support quality investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives Establish and maintain organized libraries of approved formulas, packaging specifications, artwork, and vendor resources Cost Management & Continuous Improvement Assist in product costing, supplier negotiations, and value engineering initiatives Identify opportunities to improve product quality, reduce costs, and streamline development timelines Evaluate alternative materials, packaging formats, and sourcing strategies Develop and improve processes, workflows, and documentation standards to support a growing product portfolio Continuously monitor industry trends, innovations, and emerging hospitality guest preferences Qualifications & Skills Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Packaging Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Product Development, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered Experience
• 3+ years of experience in product development, project management, packaging development, or related roles
• Experience within personal care, beauty, hospitality amenities, consumer packaged goods, or related industries strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing third-party manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and external development partners
• Experience coordinating product launches from concept through commercialization
• Hospitality industry experience is a plus Skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Understanding of formulation development, packaging specifications, BOMs, and product approval processes
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to negotiate and build strong vendor relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for personal care products is preferred
• Experience with fragrance evaluation and hospitality amenity development is a plus Why Join Vanderlyn?

At Vanderlyn, we offer the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated and passionate team committed to redefining the guest experience in luxury hospitality. As a startup, we are a small, agile team where every individual can make a big impact. We pride ourselves on being scrappy and resourceful, and we value team members who are willing to step outside of their defined role to tackle challenges and contribute wherever needed. We work until the work is done. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing products to life, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to play a key role in developing innovative hospitality programs for some of the world's most recognized hotel brands. Compensation This is a full-time, salaried, in-office position. The salary range for this role is $100,000-$110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Additional performance-based incentives may apply.

Pay:

$100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you leave ego at the door and approach work with a CAN DO attitude? Please explain. Are you able to work out of our office in Culver City, Monday - Friday from 9:00a-5:00p (minimum), as this is not a remote position? Are you comfortable with the posted annual salary range, $100-110,000?

Education:

Bachelor's (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Culver City, CA 90230 (Required)

Work Location:

In person