Product Development Specialist with R&D Bkgd. in Food/Care Products

 

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly driven and motivated individual who has strong Project Management skills. This role resides in the Research and Development Department. (this is not a lab role). Candidate brings experience within the Food and/or Personal Care industries. The main function of this job consists of communicating and coordinating projects in the product development process from ideation to launch. Collaborating with internal team members, inter-departments and externally with vendors and suppliers. This position is a great opportunity for an individual to advance their career in the Natural Products Industry as well as becoming a team member developing new products for first to US market in the Biodynamic arena. Demeter Certified Biodynamic®?is the world’s oldest ecological certification encompassing the conscious, creative, holistic way of farming that elevates the organic standards on regenerative agriculture by using a soil-first approach.?

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and organize multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing projects through their ideation to launch within our software program.
• Assist in the research and development of new and existing product concepts and trends within the International and US markets.
• Reviewing technical documents and ingredients to ensure they meet specifications.
• Create a competitive market analysis for new products to advise on appropriate pricing.
• Develop and maintain professional and positive vendor and supplier relationships.
• Oversee product development activities with vendors during formulation, quoting, and trial stages while maintaining project timelines.
• Collaborate with team members during internal development processes during compliance documentation, label review and design.
• Present and lead new product innovation sessions to internal groups.
• Review new samples and prototypes for designated attributes as well as assessing potential failures with a forward-thinking approach.
• Review existing products for potential improvements and initiate improvement steps as needed.
• Review long and short copy descriptive materials for accuracy and proper emphasis.
• Travel may be required occasionally.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.
  
  

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in any of the following industries with emphasis on the food sector; natural products, food ingredients or personal care industries in product research and development, merchandising and brand marketing fields or relevant Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree such as a Bachelor of Food Science.
• Solid organizational and multi-tasking skills. Attention to detail and follow-up.
• Strong experience developing and maintaining professional business relationships.
• Strong math skills.
• Strong computer skills, experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work in a team environment - open to collaboration, adaptable to project changes.
• Self-motivated, determined, and open to continuing their professional development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
  

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, memos and write clearly. Ability to present one-on-one and group situations. Excellent verbal communication skills with the phone in a clear, concise professional manner.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs

Experience with Excel

Strong overall computer skills