Product Development Specialist

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 (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.  

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.

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, and professional manner.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs
• Experience with Excel  
• Strong overall computer skills
• Solid organizational and multi-tasking skills.  Attention to detail and follow-up.
• Strong experience developing and maintaining professional business relationships.  
• Strong math skills.
• 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.  

Requirements

• Minimum (3) three years experience in any of the following industries with an emphasis on the food sector: natural products, food ingredients, or personal care industries in product research and development, merchandising, and brand marketing fields.
• Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree, such as a Bachelor of Food Science.