Restaurant Development Manager jobs

Company Overview:

Chewters Chocolates is a fast-growing, premium North American chocolate manufacturer redefining how modern food manufacturing is built and scaled. Privately owned, well-capitalized, and founder-led, we operate at the intersection of branded CPG, contract manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability — with the freedom to invest long-term and do things the right way.

In the past year alone, we have:

• Scaled from one manufacturing site to three
• Expanded our brand portfolio, including the mission-driven Endangered Species Chocolate
• Invested heavily in new capacity, automation, and enterprise-grade systems
• Begun construction on a next-generation manufacturing campus in Rockwall, Texas

Our manufacturing footprint includes:

• Delta, British Columbia – 60,000 sq. ft. fully automated, SQF Level 3 flagship
• Indianapolis, Indiana – 35,000 sq. ft. facility, home of Endangered Species Chocolate
• Rockwall, Texas – 225,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution complex opening in 2026

We are now entering the most important phase of our growth: institutionalizing excellence. This is the shift from growth powered by heroics to growth powered by systems, discipline, and repeatability.

The Role:

The Commecialization Project Manager is responsible for coordinating and executing branded innovation as well as all contract manufacturing projects . This role ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The Commercialization Project Manager will lead cross-functional teams to drive new product development, trials, and launches from concept through commercialization.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Oversee PM function, helping ensure all projects are given detailed timelines, added to weekly discussions and all necessary internal follow-ups are tracked.
• Develop and manage all project plans, timelines, and milestones
• Track progress, prepare updates, and escalate risks or delays to leadership.
• Facilitate weekly project meetings with cross-functional teams (R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales).

Innovation Strategy

• Track consumer trends, category insights, and ingredient innovations to inform project pipeline
• Develop pipeline of innovation concepts and prepare business cases (timelines, costs, critical paths) to support category and customer needs.
• Plan launches to meet business objectives, testing with key customers and rolling out national launches on schedule.
• Coordinate preparation of materials to support new product introductions in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

R&D / Product Development

• Translate innovation concepts into R&D prototypes, coordinate lab trials and scale-up testing, and prepare for tasting panel/customer review.
• Facilitate R&D planning and cross-functional discussions (costing, trials, priorities) to ensure alignment and remove roadblocks
• Manage technical documentation to support food safety, regulatory compliance, and customer requirements.

Contract Manufacturing Oversight

• Act as the primary liaison for contract manufacturing partners, coordinating schedules, production trials, and commercialization activities.
• Ensure successful transfer of product formulations from R&D into commercial-scale production.
• Monitor production performance, troubleshoot issues, and escalate as needed.
• Track budgets, costs, and deliverables for all co-manufacturing projects.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, supply chain, business admin, or a related field; MBA preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in project management within food manufacturing, CPG, or contract manufacturing.
• Effective cross-functional leadership skills effective with both in-person and remote team members
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with R&D, innovation, or product development teams preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety, regulatory, and quality standards (Canada and U.S.) is an asset.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar).
• Strong presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Delta, BC V3M 6R9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Project management: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person