Associate Product Development Project Lead I in Texas, USA - DKA

Working cross-functionally with R&D, Sales, QA, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, suppliers, and customers, this role keeps projects organized, on schedule, and ready for successful execution in Dishaka’s fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The Associate Product Development Project Lead I coordinates assigned R&D projects across the product development lifecycle—from initial scoping and development through commercialization, launch, and post-launch support.

Company Description

• Family business that has been doing snack manufacturing since 1952. Since then, the family business has grown, producing salty snacks in locations worldwide for different markets.

Job Description

The Associate Product Development Project Lead I coordinates assigned R&D projects across the product development lifecycle—from initial scoping and development through commercialization, launch, and post-launch support. Working cross-functionally with R&D, Sales, QA, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, suppliers, and customers, this role keeps projects organized, on schedule, and ready for successful execution in Dishaka’s fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

 

Job Type: Full Time/TN Visa/Salaried

Salary: $70,000–$75,000 annually.

Workweek: Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Coordinate assigned R&D projects from initial scoping through post-launch support.

• Maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, action items, deliverables, and documentation.

• Monitor progress, identify risks and roadblocks, follow up on outstanding activities, and escalate issues requiring decisions or support.

Product Development

• Coordinate product scoping, prototype requests, formula refinement, customer feedback, testing, and plant trials.

• Support development and validation of formulas, processing parameters, packaging, product specifications, regulatory documentation, and costing.

• Confirm required product information is complete and accurate before commercialization.

Commercialization and Launch

• Coordinate project kickoffs, cross-functional communication, commercialization checklists, and purchasing-readiness activities.

• Facilitate customer, supplier, raw-material, certification, artwork, and product-record setup.

• Support creation and maintenance of BOMs, formulas, routings, finished-goods records, specifications, and customer-portal information.

• Coordinate pre-production meetings, first production runs, customer samples, final approvals, and R&D release.

Post-Launch Support

• Provide ongoing R&D support for assigned accounts, including documentation, certifications, portal updates, and product changes.

• Balance multiple projects and priorities while communicating status, needs, and changes to stakeholders.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Business, Project Management, or a related field preferred.

• Three or more years of relevant experience in food product development, R&D, QA, project management, operations, or food manufacturing.

• Experience with commercialization, product specifications, costing, ERP systems, customer portals, or food regulatory requirements preferred.

• Strong organizational, prioritization, time-management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills; Spanish proficiency is a plus.

 

KEY SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Project Coordination: Organizes multiple projects, timelines, priorities, and stakeholders.

• Ownership: Follows through on commitments, communicates proactively, and escalates issues appropriately.

• Attention to Detail: Reviews information accurately and follows established processes.

• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration and Problem-Solving: Works across teams, anticipates issues, and identifies practical solutions.This job description summarizes the position’s primary duties and responsibilities. Employees may be assigned other duties based on the needs of the Company, and responsibilities may change over time.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Background Check? Yes, the selected applicant will undergo a criminal background check coordinated by the recruitment company before departure to the place of employment.
• Drug Test: N/A
• English Level Requirement: C1
• Driver License: Yes, a valid driver license is necessary to drive to and from work.

Additional Information

TRANSPORTATION TO THE PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT

• Yes, once the Visa or Change of Employer is approved, the employer will provide transportation to the place of employment from the place of recruitment or COE.
• *** Note to applicants: Please discuss with your recruiter whether you will drive or use another transportation method instead of flying.

 

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WORKSITE(S)

• The employer will provide transportation to and from the worksite for the first 15–30 days after arrival at the place of employment. It is the employee’s responsibility to secure personal transportation during that period. A valid driver’s license is required to receive this benefit.

 

HOUSING

• The employer will provide housing for the first 15–30 days after arrival at the place of employment. It is the employee’s responsibility to secure personal housing during that period.

 

BENEFITS

• PTO: Yes (TBD); discuss with the company/recruiter.
• Bonus: 10%–15% of the worker’s annual salary upon achieving company and personal goals.
• 401(k): Employees are eligible for auto-enrollment after one year of service. The plan features an employee contribution of 6%, with a company match of 3.5%.
• Insurance: Yes, health, vision, and dental insurance are provided. The company covers 90% of the cost. Basic, mid-level, and premium coverage options are available. For details regarding family coverage, please consult the policy documentation.