Product Developer

Loblaw Companies Limited•Brampton, ON

28d

About The Position

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued – as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well®. At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong. Product Developer, Bakery 12mth Contract Why is this role important: With a passion for creating a distinct and memorable tasting experience for our customers. You will work closely with our experienced team of chefs in the PC Test Kitchen! You will develop and test new and existing raw ingredients, finalize recipes and reap the rewards of seeing your unique creations on our store shelves. This role is a key partner in the innovation process. A strong culinary background is required as well as insight into global industry developments and food trends to deliver customer driven market leading innovation. This role is responsible for the development of product including technical, formulation and sensory validation. Development is focused on supporting category objectives and leading consumer driven innovation into the market. This role works closely with the Vendors, Product Manager and Category Management to see opportunities, direction and bring product concepts to life. Key to this role: Industry specific manufacturing and production knowledge, the ability to define internal constraints and vendor capabilities and fundamental technical knowledge of assigned categories. This role also is responsible for establishing specification standards for new products and ensuring that appropriate controls are in place to deliver those standards consistently to our customer.

Requirements

Post-secondary university degree
Minimum 4-7 years’ experience in a product development or quality assurance role
Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a manufacturing environment
Strong technical skills
Excellent analytical skills, highly organized and ability to prioritize projects and tasks
Advanced understanding and knowledge of product formulations, manufacturing, packaging and testing applications
Require basic knowledge of applicable government regulations
Excellent oral/written communication skills, interpersonal skills and relationship management
Work effectively as an individual with minimal supervision and as a team member
Able to influence and interact effectively with all levels at retail/distribution, vendor and office locations
Creative problem solving skills
Straightforward practical way of thinking about things or dealing with problems
Travel will be required and will include local, national and international

Responsibilities

Work closely with our team of experts to develop and test new and existing ingredients, develop and finalize recipes and pass the sensory approval process.
Develop an understanding current and future food and industry trends. Apply and share this knowledge in the development and planning process.
Review product portfolio on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance and best quality in marketplace. As required take steps to optimize portfolio by addressing code date and product performance issues. Make recommendations through the product lifecycle process to optimize existing offering.
Work with Product Manager to provide detailed briefs to vendors and clear product development targets and timelines.
Work with vendors through all stages of the development process to ensure concept to execution (C2E) targets are met.
Work with the Product Development team to ensure brand and project targets are being met and provide clear and directive feedback to vendor to ensure project remains on track and address sidebar concerns
Attend plant trials and support first productions in order to optimize the product development process and take corrective actions to ensure products deliver to targets and understand variability of process and work with vendor to develop clear standards including targets and acceptable product ranges
On-time management of critical Product Development control points related to project management and contribute to the total team on time delivery through collaboratively managing timelines and taking corrective actions to deliver the overall product plan, while ensuring product standard and targets are met
Present new products to the Loblaw Brands Management team and to the broader organization to drive understanding of product concept and unique product attributes and overall product context/historical understanding
Development of new product specifications and ensure appropriate process controls are in place for the ongoing delivery of product standards
Regularly attend relevant trade shows and courses to continuously develop and remain current on the latest trends and technology and functional developments in order to build category knowledge and address potential concept challenges
Building and leading diverse teams that foster a workplace of inclusiveness and belonging