Nancy Kershner

Vice President Of Product Development and Innovation @ Shaw Bakers

About

Accomplished Product Development Leader in food product innovation, commercialization, and strategy. Proven track record in driving product concept and platform for leading retail and food service brands. Expanded market reach and product portfolio through clean label initiatives, nutritional enhancement, functional ingredients and product innovation. Passionate about food history, product authenticity and blue-sky innovation. Successfully launched numerous products leading cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Recognized for strategic market launches and food manufacturing expertise. Published author and project manager with skills in packaging development and sensory testing. Leveraged international culinary training to enhance food processes and create unique dining experiences.

Country

United States

City

San Francisco Bay Area

Industry

Food & Beverages

Skill

Leadership, Team Building, Communication, Teamwork, Product Strategies, Presentations, Educational Workshops, Market Knowledge, Critical Thinking, Emerging Trends, Thinking Skills, Strategy, Private Label, Food Packaging, Product Management, Food Technology, Product Innovation, Customer Insight, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Storytelling

Experience

Vice President Of Product Development and Innovation

Shaw Bakers

2018-1 - Present · 8 yrs 9 mos

South San Francisco, California

• Led product development and innovation for artisanal bakery, CPG, and new food concepts at Shaw Bakers in South San Francisco. • Spearheaded new concept development for food service and retail customers, driving growth and market expansion. • Implemented innovative strategies to scale up manufacturing processes, optimizing efficiency and quality standards. • Led regulatory, packaging, HACCP team.

Director of New Products and Innovation

Sterling Foods

2016 - 2018-1 · 2 yrs

San Francisco Bay Area

Led new product development in multi-unit USDA-certified facility. Developed nutritionally-enhanced products, low calorie whole grain and low sugar items for retail diet programs. Created MREs for the US military, extended shelf life of entrees and bakery items. Created sandwiches and bakery for QSR customers. Mentored team.

mgr, research and development

Starbucks

2012 - 2016 · 4 yrs

South San Francisco

• Directed the development of bakery innovation for commercialization from bench to Starbucks’ 13,000 North American stores. Positioned in San Francisco, to lead product development at La Boulange. • Lead concept development, from ideation to product implementation at manufacturer/suppliers. • Developed aesthetic and commercialized concept and product to succeed in rigorous frozen supply chain and to succeed in various markets. • Led a team of six in the launch of the new La Boulange items to North American Starbucks and licensees. Provided consulting and guidance internationally. • Serves as Subject Matter Expert on product knowledge and function including troubleshooting functionality of new products and manufacturing efficiencies in food products.

Product Development Manager

Starbucks

2012-10 - 2013-9 · 1 yr

La Boulange San Francisco, CA

Product developer at La Boulange for Starbucks focused on bakery innovation.

Research and Development Manager

Sweet Street

2006-10 - 2012-10 · 6 yrs 1 mo

• Collaborated with Sales and Marketing teams and provided insights on new and improved products to ensure appropriate market introductions and continued sales. • Identified critical changes in product formulation that enhanced market acceptance in support of maximizing the revenue stream. Performed complex testing for product success in challenging environments and for maximum efficiency though the facility. • Designed different products to open and optimize new distribution options; grew international distribution channels with relevant products. • Performed experimental design for product testing and process variation as needed by internal and external customers. • Built and managed cross-functional teams for maximum performance. • Developed desserts and snack items for commercialization from bench top conception through full production launch.