Food Product Development Specialist

Actalent • Charlotte, NC

405d • $50,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Food Product Development Specialist at Actalent is responsible for providing technical support to manufacturing, developing custom blends, and qualifying new products. This role involves identifying portfolio gaps, overseeing qualification procedures, and ensuring products meet industry standards through collaboration with various departments. The specialist will also create production orders, address quality issues, and conduct stability testing and recipe validation, while supporting the Production Manager as needed.

Requirements

• 2-3 years of experience in developing new products, including research, testing, and validation.
• 2-3 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment, dealing with production processes and quality control.
• Strong knowledge in managing production protocols, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring products meet industry standards.
• Quality assurance and audit experience.
• Production management and production scheduling expertise.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Science or Engineering.
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Identify portfolio gaps and understand business needs.
• Oversee qualification procedures and product development.
• Create production orders and qualify new ingredients and packaging.
• Address quality issues and conduct stability testing and recipe validation.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, and Planning to ensure accurate recipes.
• Research, test, and develop new product ideas.
• Design test protocols, validate products, and update databases.
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure proper labeling, food safety, and technical attributes.
• Manage item cards, production protocols, and inspection plans for new items.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and recommend quality improvements.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures for external co-manufacturing.
• Gain deep knowledge of semi-finished materials and their impact on recipes.
• Work collaboratively with Sales, Technical Development, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
• Qualify new suppliers, ingredients, packages, and co-manufacturers.
• Ensure products meet industry standards using food science and manufacturing expertise.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage through United Healthcare with various plan options.
• Dental insurance coverage through United Healthcare Dental PPO.
• Vision insurance coverage through VSP Vision Service Plan.
• Life/AD&D insurance coverage up to $50,000.
• 401(k) Plan with up to 5% match after 1 month of service.
• Profit-sharing plan contributing 8% of previous year gross salary to 401(k).
• Gym membership reimbursement up to $300 per year.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per year.
• Twenty (20) vacation days per year, prorated based on start date.
• Ten (10) sick days per year, prorated based on start date.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administrative and Support Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 10,001+ employees