Product Data Associate (Research & Development)

Job Description

Job Description

Family-owned and operated, Bake’n Joy Foods, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of top-quality bakery products, founded in 1941. We manufacture a variety of products for professional bakers, including frozen scoop batters, pre-deposited muffins, cornbread, loaf cakes, and Boston Coffee Cakes, as well as mixes, and an expanding line of fully baked items such as coffee cakes, loaf cakes, and more. We remain committed to providing top-quality products, service, and value to our customers.

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Product Data Associate

Research & Development

Job Summary / Objective

The Product Data Associate supports the integrity, organization, and accuracy of technical product information across internal systems and customer platforms. This role plays a critical operational function in translating approved formulations, ingredient data, and packaging details into structured specifications, nutrition panels, and label-ready documentation.

Working cross-functionally with R&D, FSQA, Operations, Marketing, and Sales, the Product Data Specialist ensures that all product-related data is consistent, current, and aligned with company standards prior to commercialization and print production.

This position is designed for an early-career professional (0–3 years of experience) who thrives in detail-oriented work and is interested in building expertise in product documentation, labeling systems, and food manufacturing data management within a sweet-goods environment.

Essential Functions

Product & Nutrition Data Management

• Generate and update Nutrition Facts Panels using approved formulation data and nutrition calculation software.
• Translate finalized formulas into accurate ingredient declarations and finished label components.
• Maintain ingredient, component, and formula records within internal databases to ensure alignment between R&D and production documentation.
• Perform detailed reviews of ingredient statements and nutrition panels prior to artwork release or print authorization.
• Verify that supplier-provided technical data is accurately reflected in internal systems.

Specification & Documentation Control

• Develop and revise internal Product Specification Sheets and customer-facing technical documents.
• Enter and maintain product specifications within customer portals and required customer templates.
• Manage document version control to ensure consistency across all systems and prevent outdated information from circulating.
• Support the resolution of specification discrepancies identified by Operations, QA, or customers.

Label & Artwork Accuracy

• Review packaging graphics and artwork files to confirm technical content accuracy before production.
• Partner with Marketing to validate language and technical elements used in promotional materials.
• Ensure required components such as net weight, ingredient listings, allergen statements, and certifications are accurately represented.

Cross-Functional & Commercialization Support

• Collaborate with Operations, QA, Production, Marketing, and Sales to confirm label components reflect current product formulations.
• Provide timely responses to internal and external inquiries regarding nutrition, ingredients, and technical documentation.
• Assist with new product setup activities and data entry for commercialization launches.
• Coordinate documentation related to new vendors and ingredient additions as required.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain structured databases related to formulations, components, and labeling data.
• Identify opportunities to streamline specification workflows and improve documentation efficiency.
• Support corrective updates when discrepancies are identified in product data or labeling records.
• Assist in maintaining certification documentation, including Kosher program coordination.
• Provide document support during SQF and third-party audit preparation activities.
• Support supplier documentation review activities within TraceGains or similar platforms.

Competencies

• Precision & Accuracy: Demonstrates meticulous attention to numerical data, ingredient sequencing, and documentation formatting.
• Organizational Discipline: Effectively manages multiple projects while meeting established deadlines.
• Analytical Ability: Capable of reviewing technical information, identifying inconsistencies, and resolving discrepancies.
• Communication Skills: Clearly communicates technical information to both internal teams and external partners.
• Collaboration: Works productively across departments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Professionalism: Maintains a respectful, team-oriented approach that contributes to a positive work environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role is an individual contributor.

Work Environment

The role is office-based within a food manufacturing facility and may occasionally require presence in production areas and the food laboratory, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Physical Demands

• Extended computer work
• Occasional standing and movement within production areas
• Light lifting of product samples (up to 25 lbs.)

Reports To:

• Senior Manager of R&D

Position Type

Full-Time

Work Hours

• Core hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• This position requires an in-office presence.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline
• 0–3 years of experience within the food or beverage industry
• Familiarity with technical documentation systems or customer portals
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with nutrition calculation software
• Understanding of food labeling fundamentals and quality systems within a manufacturing environment
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects using structured timelines
• Strong proofreading and data validation skills
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

Compensation

The typical starting salary range for this position is $47,100 - $69,100 per year. Several factors, including skills, experience, education, certifications, and the location of the job, will determine the actual pay offered. The salary range for this role reflects the competitive labor market value for associates in these positions.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. Bake’n Joy offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes affordable, high-quality healthcare for our associates and their families, life insurance and disability benefits for security, and retirement benefits to help plan for the future.

Bake’n Joy is committed to fostering an environment where associates from all backgrounds can build long and meaningful careers. Through strong relationships, comprehensive benefits, and continuous learning opportunities, we seek to create an environment where associates can succeed, both professionally and personally.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bake’n Joy provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.