Product Manager – Food & Nutrition Ingredients

Product Manager FT Salary Exempt Hybrid Azelis is a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemical and food ingredients industry present in over 63 countries across the globe. Our knowledgeable teams of industry, market and technical experts are dedicated to a specific market within Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals.At Gillco Ingredients, an Azelis company, we have redefined the concept of wholesale ingredient distribution. We partner with some of the most reputable and innovative ingredient manufacturers in the world to put together an incredible line of healthy, natural, and functional food ingredients. The best part is that we know how to use them. Our sales force is technically trained on all of our ingredients, and they are chock full of ideas on how you can make your food or beverage product better. Add to that our extraordinary customer service and you have an ingredient distributor unlike any other.Summary of RoleThe Product Manager supports the Principal Development Manager in strengthening our position within the food and nutrition industry through continuous improvement and proactive market awareness. This role enhances supplier relationships, optimizes the ingredient portfolio, and delivers strategic market insights that fuel the success of our sales organization. By working closely with suppliers and sales teams, the Product Manager drives growth, reinforces competitive positioning, and ensures customers receive the right ingredient solutions.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesSupport the Principal Development Manager in the following areas:Portfolio & Supplier ManagementAssist in managing the portfolio of product lines by building internal and external relationships, supporting growth objectives (sales, volume, GP), and helping fulfill supplier reporting requirements.Participate in industry and supplier events to represent the organization and strengthen supplier engagement.Support negotiations of supplier costing and the establishment of selling price and margin objectives for the sales team.Commercial Support & Opportunity ManagementWork with Sales Leaders and Account Managers to support new business development and advance customer projects.Assist Sales Leaders in managing and optimizing the opportunity pipeline for new business, including collaborating with suppliers and sales teams on actions needed to close customer projects.Support the analysis of supplier strategies and contribute to the development of marketing plans that reflect supplier direction.Market Insights & Competitive IntelligenceGather and organize market intelligence, competitor insights, and sales updates to meet supplier requirements and support presentations and promotional campaigns.Monitor and report on market and competitive activity to ensure product strategies reflect current industry trends.Forecasting & ReportingCollaborate with the Demand Planning Lead to support supplier forecasting, including inputs from the open opportunity pipeline.Assist in meeting internal reporting requirements and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of submitted information.Process Improvement & CommunicationContribute to the development and enhancement of internal systems, tools, and processes to improve team efficiency and effectiveness.Communicate proactively with cross-functional teams, share best practices, and identify improvement opportunities.Synthesize information received from suppliers and help disseminate relevant updates and insights to commercial teams.Portfolio Gap Analysis & Customer SolutionsSupport efforts to identify gaps within the ingredient portfolio and assist the sales team in determining product availability and potential supplier sources.Experience, Skills & EducationRole RequirementsFull-time hybrid role (San Diego County or Orange County based)Able to work outside standard business hours and travel occasionally as needed EducationBachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred ExperienceExperience within the food & nutrition industry preferredPrior experience in sales, commercial, or customer-facing rolesExperience working with cross-functional teams a plus Business & Technical SkillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsSolid negotiation capabilitiesStrong presentation skillsProven ability to manage multiple projects and details simultaneouslyStrong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM systems and ERP platforms (Salesforce & Microsoft Dynamics D365) Professional BehaviorsEntrepreneurial and competitive spirit with a focus on business growthSelf-starter who works autonomously with minimal supervisionTeam-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across functionsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsWell-organized, able to set priorities, and manage time effectivelyTop benefits or perks:As a team member at Gillco, you’ll enjoy:Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life insurance, HSA, FSA, Long-term & Short-term DisabilityRetirement 401k & matchingPTO and Personal DaysPaid HolidaysGym and Wi-Fi StipendCareer development/ Mentorship programPerformance reviews/ Bonus opportunitiesSalary range: Starting at $70,000