Product Development Technician

LEAHY-IFP•Glenview, IL

About The Position

Leahy-IFP, now integrated into Finlays Solutions, brings together specialized beverage manufacturing expertise with the scale of a global industry leader. Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs. Together, we bring deeper technical expertise, greater operational scale, and expanded innovation capabilities to help our partners grow, differentiate, and succeed. The Product Development Technician plays a critical hands-on role within the Food Service division of the New Product Development team. This position supports R&D Managers by preparing and analyzing samples, assisting with product formulation, coordinating sample shipments, and supporting shelf-life and sensory testing. The technician also maintains laboratory organization, manages data and documentation, and helps ensure projects stay on schedule while maintaining a well-functioning lab environment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, with the ability to learn additional systems and software.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to follow recipes and formulations using basic math skills and unit conversions.
Demonstrated ability to support projects, meet timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to safely lift and carry up to pounds occasionally.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Culinary, or a related field preferred.
Experience in the food industry or laboratory environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist Product Development Managers with bench-top formulation and sampling for new product development, product optimization, and cost reduction initiatives.
Prepare, label, package, and ship product samples to customers and internal teams.
Support the planning, execution, and documentation of shelf-life studies and sensory evaluations.
Assist with testing and development of technical product specifications.
Compile and organize required documentation for product development projects, including Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), product specifications, and related technical files.
Maintain calibration and proper operation of laboratory analytical equipment.
Record, track, and maintain analytical testing data.
Manage inventory and order laboratory supplies, raw materials, and finished product samples as needed.
Communicate professionally with commercial teams and customers when required.
Participate in company meetings and cross-functional discussions as needed.
Support additional projects and responsibilities as required to meet business needs.