Innovation and Product Development Specialist - Cheese
About The Position
The Innovation and Product Development Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and participating in product and process innovation activities, product development, and technical services. The incumbent leads assigned projects related to innovation, cost reduction, portfolio optimization, and new product development, with the objective of bringing innovative products to market at a competitive cost. This individual also works closely with customers to address inquiries and technical needs while collaborating cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Specialist provides technical support to category teams and manufacturing sites for initiatives aimed at reducing costs and optimizing manufacturing process performance, while maintaining or improving product functionality, quality, and performance.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology Engineering, Microbiology, Nutritional Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or another related field is required.
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in Research & Development or Product Development within a food manufacturing environment is required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in both French and English are required. English is necessary to collaborate with colleagues and customers located in other Canadian provinces.
Nice To Haves
- Relevant experience in the dairy industry is considered an asset.
- An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
Responsibilities
- Design, plan, oversee, and execute assigned product development processes and projects, ensuring compliance with applicable procedures and stage-gate requirements, from ideation through commercialization.
- Lead innovation and product development activities aligned with category strategies to create new food products or enhance existing ones.
- Execute all applicable stages of product and process development, including laboratory work, pilot trials, plant trials, and qualification activities at manufacturing sites.
- Create and maintain product specifications and formulations, including product characteristics, ingredient declarations, costs, processing parameters, and analytical requirements.
- Participate in sensory evaluations using both internal and external sensory panels.
- Work closely with R&D laboratory technologists and collaborate with internal stakeholders, serving as a technical expert for departments such as Marketing, Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, and Procurement.
- Collaborate closely with external suppliers of goods and services for sourcing, evaluation, and qualification activities while adhering to company best practices.
- Partner with B2B customers, including private label customers, industrial clients, and co-manufacturers.
- Identify and drive opportunities for cost reduction and product or process performance optimization.
- Liaise and collaborate with manufacturing plants to investigate and resolve product issues, operational challenges, and customer complaints.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies and processes that may enable key innovations and support participation in research and development projects.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Regulatory Affairs team.
Benefits
- Group insurance plan
- Employee assistance program
- Opportunities to invest in yourself (career development, etc.)
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Mid Level
