Research and Development Assistant
About The Position
The Research and Development (R&D) Assistant supports the R&D team by managing documentation, assisting with product development activities, and providing administrative and operational support. The role is heavily focused on data management and documentation accuracy. Warabeya North America is a leading food manufacturer specializing in high-quality fresh and ready-to-eat food products. As part of the global Warabeya Nichiyo Group headquartered in Japan, we are dedicated with years of food innovation with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Our North American operations are growing, offering a collaborative, fast-paced environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and growth together with the company.
Requirements
- High school diploma
- 2+ years of office experience, including data management, data entry, and document preparation using MS Word and Excel
- English proficiency in both oral and written
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including use of formulas and functions (e.g., COUNTIF, SUMIF, VLOOKUP, basic data analysis)
- Actively listens and communicates clearly and effectively in both verbal and written forms, adapting to the audience as needed
- Time management and task prioritization skills
- Takes initiative, seeks improvement, and adapts to challenges
- Consistently produces accurate, thorough, and well-organized work
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision
- Flexible mindset with the ability to adapt to change and learn quickly
- Passion for food and interest in product development
- Ability to work onsite (remote work is not an option)
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time the employment begins and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Business Administration
- Spanish or Japanese language skills
- Prior food industry or culinary background
Responsibilities
- Create, update, and maintain R&D documentation including product recipes, specifications, and quality materials
- Develop presentation materials using Microsoft PowerPoint
- Prepare, update, and manage reports and internal documentation
- Maintain and organize documentation in internal and online databases
- Collaborate with customers to ensure documentation accuracy and completeness
- Communicate with suppliers to ensure documentation is current and accurate
- Track orders and process special order requests related to R&D activities
- Assist in market research activities related to product development
- Assist in kitchen operations including measuring ingredients, preparing recipes, and cleaning
- Support product development trials and new recipe creation
- Schedule meetings, appointments, and maintain calendars for the R&D team
- Prepare and distribute communications (emails, reports, memos)
- Organize and maintain departmental files and records
- Greet visitors and direct inquiries appropriately
- Support R&D meetings, customer presentations, and events
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders across departments
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental/Medical, Vision insurance – 100% paid employee's premium
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
