Contract Research & Development Specialist (Contract)
About The Position
We are seeking a 12-month contract R&D Specialist reporting to the R&D Manager to provide technical leadership and innovation support across beverage product development initiatives. This role is designed to bring diverse industry perspectives and expertise into our R&D team, with a particular interest in candidates who have strong experience in beverage development outside the wine industry, including alcoholic beverages such as spirits, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, beer, cider and other emerging beverage categories. The ideal candidate will leverage broad beverage R&D knowledge to drive product innovation, process improvement, commercialization, and cross-functional collaboration while contributing fresh insights and best practices from adjacent beverage sectors.
Requirements
- BSc in Food Science, Nutrition, Oenology or relevant degree is preferred
- Minimum of 2 years working in consumer-packaged goods within Food & Beverage industry is preferred
- Working knowledge of Beverage Alcohol and/or other regulated industries is preferred
- Working knowledge of food product development and processes is preferred
- Solid understanding of food safety and allergens
- Can communicate effectively at different levels in the organization and cross-functional stakeholders
- Must be driven, structured and results oriented with a positive and professional attitude.
- Detail oriented and self-motivator
- Ability to work on multiple projects, priorities and product categories
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Products and Adobe.
- JDE experience an asset
- Strong verbal & written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain work logs and documentation
Responsibilities
- Support end-to-end R&D activities for new product launches, including reviewing new product designs with Operations teams, conducting verification and validation testing for RTD products, managing JDE setup and updates for flavors, ingredients, and blends, verifying ingredient statements and communicating updates to Compliance and Brand teams, coordinating ingredient and product stability studies, including shelf-life testing, assisting in the investigation and resolution of flavor- or color-related product complaints or defects, and supporting research trials, competitive taste panels, and cross-functional project work with Brand teams.
- Prepare product samples for a variety of business needs, including sales and marketing presentations, liquor board submissions, TTB submissions, and nutritional and third-party laboratory analyses.
- Apply knowledge of flavors, ingredients, and sensory science to develop new product prototypes.
- Participate in sensory evaluation panels and other product assessment activities.
- Generate formal reports for shelf-life sensory evaluations, ingredient changes, test and trial outcomes, and other sensory-related studies as required.
- Support Product Leads on new product development (NPD), design-to-value (DTV) initiatives, process improvements, and other product development projects aligned with business priorities.
- Prepare technical documents and responses for customer inquiries.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and general lab readiness.
- Provide support for confidential or high-priority projects as assigned.
- Perform regular office and lab environment tasks, including occasional tasks which may require physical exertion such as lifting materials or supplies, bottling and shipping samples, and dishwashing of wine tasting glassware.
Benefits
- Hybrid work model, allowing employees to balance remote and in-office work.
- Competitive Salary and Bonus.
- Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
- A chance to explore and learn more about the Wine industry.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
