Associate New Product Development Specialist

External • Bakersfield, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is an entry-level position within New Product Development (NPD) focused on driving innovation and renovation for the ice cream business. The incumbent will gain skills and confidence to lead simpler projects under supervision, acting as a technical and project management resource for teams working on innovation, factory support, quality improvement, and material sourcing. The role involves running feasibility studies and technical trials to ensure products are developed and handed over effectively for efficient factory operation. Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, part of Froneri, is a global leader in ice cream with a strong portfolio of brands and a culture that encourages thinking like a general manager, offering hands-on exposure across various business functions. The company values ownership, integrity, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Nutrition, Culinology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge and understanding of ingredient functionality (e.g., dairy proteins, emulsifiers, stabilizers).
• Knowledge of physio-chemical laboratory methods to define and test raw materials and finished products.
• 0 – 2 years of experience in food manufacturing, R&D, or product development (internships, co-ops, or lab projects acceptable).
• Creative and analytical mindset.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to the manufacture of dairy products or frozen desserts a plus.
• Ability to merge strategy with flawless execution.

Responsibilities

• Implement Innovation & Renovation projects under supervision.
• Participate and shadow seasoned team members to learn product development and project management aspects, including formulation, bench work, pilot plant and factory trials, raw material selection, and finished product evaluation.
• Learn administrative aspects such as material creation, recipe management, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop grasp of project management skills, tools, and timeline management.
• Perform product & process development activities, including new product prototyping and managing bench top and pilot plant trials.
• Conduct raw material and finished product testing.
• Complete costing analysis, preliminary manufacturing dossiers, trial and first-production technical and commercial sign-off documentation, and quality specifications (CRQS) documents.
• Ensure accurate and timely handover of new product documentation to the factory team for successful industrialization.
• Ensure raw material and finished product specifications are complete and available for handover to the factory.
• Ensure process capability is conducted during industrialization for accurate costing.
• Support the first 3 production runs to ensure successful product integration.
• Participate in continuous improvement and optimization of current products and processes within factories.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, legal, and company standards, including nutritional and sustainability requirements.
• Collaborate with internal procurement and technical teams to ensure new materials do not add complexity, risk, or waste.
• Continuously improve technical and interpersonal skills, and grow internal and external networks.
• Develop expertise for product/process mastership within NPD.
• Develop proficiencies to support factory operations.
• Ensure specified product developments on involved projects are launched on time at the required cost, with vertical integration into the factory, and the ability to maintain quality through the prescribed shelf life.
• Ensure all paperwork and files are completed correctly and on time.
• Adhere to the internally agreed NPD process.
• Ensure data integrity is maintained.
• Ensure all issues arising from pre-launch trials and post-launch reviews are closed out.
• Form positive relationships with internal teams, external customers, and suppliers.
• Communicate actively with the NPD manager on projects, issues, concerns, and personal development.
• Represent The Froneri Way of working through behaviors and characteristics in the Operating Model and Core Values.
• Attend to issues immediately, focus on clear and straightforward solutions, and promote acting like an owner.
• Uphold the highest quality and operational standards.

Benefits

• Pay scale for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
• Equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level