KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• 3 years of product development experience in the food manufacturing industry (preferably SQF certified)
• Degree in Food Science, or a relevant field preferred
• Foundation knowledge of food and beverage technology, ingredient functionalities, quality assurance, food science and manufacturing
• Excels at communicating benchtop results and the implications to Sales, Operational and QA colleagues as required by the Research & Development Director.
• Demonstrated results in working cross-functionally to deliver superior product innovations.
• Demonstrates high levels of attention to detail.
• Understands the packaging and processing equipment commonly used in Select’s categories.
• Quickly learns new systems, continually making recommendations for potential improvements.
• Excellent team player.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in IT, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FlavorStudio or similar PD software.

Competencies

• Flexible– able to adapt, understand and manage changes in situations, priorities, and workload accordingly.
• Multi-Tasking – excels at working on simultaneous project workstreams.
• Diligent – meticulous in following up and executing instructions.
• Great communicator – capable of engaging every layer of the business.
• Calm – able to remain professional in challenging situations.
• Team player – capable of coaching and encouraging associates to a higher level.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Product Developer works as part of the Research & Development team whose goal is to deliver innovative food solutions to customers of the company. The Product Developer is responsible for creating the approved recipes from the benchtop up to the point they transition into production, working with the cross-functional team to commercialize the product.
The Product Developer supports the business in optimizing and redeveloping existing formulations for cost, quality and/or food safety standards. The Product Developer supports ingredient initiatives by conducting tests on replacements in the R&D Lab as required by the business. The Product Developer supports the Research & Development team to ensure delivery of department KPI’s.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, tests, and optimizes new formulas and processes.
• Prepares lab samples that meet the brief for initial and repeat customer submissions or for further evaluation up to and beyond the point of customer approval.
• Creates documentation required to support samples.
• Refines recipes to meet nutritional and quality specifications based on customer, regulatory, and/or cost guidelines.
• In collaboration with the Research & Development Director and the Sales Team, provides customers with clear and accurate information.
• Uses prescribed software to prepare accompanying labels for samples incorporating Nutritional Facts, Ingredients, Allergens and Shelf-Life recommendation.
• Records formula and methodology based on lab trials by using the nominated software program.
• Conducts sensory evaluations, including shelf-life analysis for benchtop development samples.
• In collaboration with the cross-functional team, plans for consequences of transitioning recipes from the benchtop into the plant whilst creating the benchtop formulas.
• Prepares preliminary product specifications.
• Supports the commercialization process to ensure a seamless transition of approved recipes from the lab into the factory.
• Performs benchtop tests for new ingredients as requested by the business.
• Diligently maintains accurate, organized and complete records for all Product Development activities.
• Maintains a general knowledge of food regulations – labeling and nutrition requirements.
• Engages with ingredient vendors and technical contacts to remain current with developments in the industry.
• Ensures the lab environment is safe, clean, and organized.