Manager - Ninja Test Kitchen (Treats)

About Us
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people's lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 4,100 associates, the company's products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
The Ninja Test Kitchen is seeking a manager to lead and elevate the food-first perspective across our product development process. In this role, you will own the strategy, execution, and quality of innovation insights for NTK initiatives- driving new product development from early-stage exploration through launch. You will partner closely with cross-functional leaders across Engineering, Design, PMO, Consumer Insights and Marketing to bring innovative, consumer-validated products to market and help define what Ninja stands for in the kitchen.
WHAT YOU'LL OWN
Define performance standards across all stages of development - own the testing roadmap, build KPIs for product performance, and ensure consumer value is at the center of every product decision, establish targets that guide product development.
Drive competitive and exploratory research - oversee testing of competitive products and emerging innovations to inform category strategy and roadmap prioritization, identify gaps and opportunities.
Own the validation process - define testing protocols and parameters, turn performance results into clear defensible claims, and ensure product standards are consistently met.
Partner with cross-functional leadership - serve as the food science and culinary authority in product development discussions, bringing a rigorous, consumer-centric point of view to engineering, design, and go-to-market conversations.
Develop and manage preset programs and function recipe requirements - ensuring product performance aligns with both brand standards and consumer expectations.
Lead and develop a team - manage food scientists, research chefs, and recipe developers, building a high-performing team with strong technical rigor and creative problem-solving skills.
Tie product performance and consumer benefits to recipe development and story.
Manage data integrity and reporting - ensure all testing results are meticulously documented, organized, and communicated to key stakeholders in a timely manner.
Cultivate an external expert network - build relationships with industry leaders, taste and texture specialists, and consumer insight partners to continuously elevate the quality of our work.
Monitor industry trends - stay ahead of food science, culinary, and consumer trends and bring actionable insights to the team on an ongoing basis.
This is an ONSITE role based in our Needham, MA Headquarters.
QUALIFICATIONS
6+ years of progressive experience in food science, culinology, or a related field - preferably within a consumer goods or product-driven company.
Degree from an accredited Food Science, Food Engineering, or Culinology program; advanced degree a plus.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional R&D initiatives from concept through commercialization.
Experience managing or mentoring team members in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
Strong technical foundation in sensory evaluation, food chemistry, and product performance testing - comfortable with texture analyzers, thermometers, data acquisition tools, and related instrumentation.
Exceptional communication skills - able to translate complex food science concepts for non-technical audiences and present confidently to executive leadership.
Strong project management skills - ability to prioritize across multiple workstreams, manage timelines, and hold teams accountable to milestones.
A strategic mindset - comfortable with ambiguity, capable of operating with autonomy, and able to connect day-to-day decisions to long-term category goals.
Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is displayed below. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (HSA) with company contribution, 401(k) retirement plan with matching, employee stock purchase program, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, company holidays, parental leave, identity theft protection, pet insurance, pre-paid legal insurance, back-up child and eldercare days, product discounts, referral bonus program, and more.
Pay Range
$86,300-$132,300 USD
Our Culture
At SharkNinja, we don't just raise the bar-we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you'll be right at home.
What We Offer
We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what's possible. When you join, you're not just part of a company-you're part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won't just launch products-we'll disrupt entire markets.
At SharkNinja, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. Valuing each unique voice and blending all of our diverse skills strengthens SharkNinja's innovation every day. We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having the opportunity for career acceleration. With help from our leadership, associates, and our community, we aim to have equity be a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.
Learn more about us:
Life At SharkNinja
Outrageously Extraordinary
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We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at [email protected]