Job Summary: The R&D Product Developer role will be part of a dynamic and innovative R&D team that will deliver top product quality, value, functionality, and taste.
(Exact Job Title will be dependent on experience.)
Job Duties:- Develop new products and/or upgrade core products to meet consumer needs and business strategies
- Create innovative new products to be presented to customers and increase presence with potential, new, and existing customers
- Experience in effective interactions with key customers including preparing, attending, and presenting new product innovations when applicable
- Define quality standards such as sensory, product performance, food safety, and regulatory requirements
- Understand fundamental functional characteristics of starch, grain flours, flavors, emulsifiers, and other ingredient forms in food applications
- Explore and research new ingredients and product concepts so that they can be applied as product improvements, cost reductions, or innovations
- Leverage collective expertise to suggest improvements to cost of goods, product design and manufacturing, sustainability, and ROI
- Translate bench top designs to full-scale production products
- Lead plant trials associated with new product launches
- Lead product launch process to ensure new products are brought to market smoothly, completely, and in a timely manner
- Use critical thinking skills to solve complex problems and develop appropriate technical solutions to support production, QA, sales, and customers
- Collaborate with a cross-functional team comprised of sales, quality, regulatory, production, purchasing and marketing partners
- Work with sales to provide technical service support to customers
- Manage and prioritize customer projects with R&D Manager and sales
- Maintain and organize concise records of all technical and business activities
- Approach projects with a practical knowledge of HB Specialty Foods products, operational systems, food processing capabilities and impact of distribution chains
- Perform other duties as assigned
Personal Characteristics:- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Detailed analytical abilities
- Ability to work in cross functional teams
Experience:- Bachelors or advanced degree in Food Science, Food Process Engineering, or related field required
- Two to five years of product development and commercialization experience
Physical Requirements:- Must be able to work in a facility that handles allergens including but not limited to: wheat, soy, egg, milk, and tree nuts
- Must be able to work in open environments exposed to pungent odors and varying climates
