Product Developer - Stock Yards Collective

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop new Stock Yards Exclusive Brand products that contribute to EB profitable growth and overall success, with focus on innovation, aligned with the overall US Foods strategy.

• Participate in the building of the EB Center of Plate (COP) category strategy in conjunction with Category Mgrs. where it pertains to Stock Yards. Direct SY concept development. 

• Conduct research and development to improve COP products.

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations

• Develop new COP products and optimize processing techniques.

• Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in COP items

• Perform quality control tests on COP products

• Use strong technical expertise, portfolio analysis and insight to identify areas for innovation, claims/nutritional potential, improved profitability.

• Assist in coordinating product cuttings and demonstrations; develop sales and marketing strategies and proposals for internal and external teams on products and services, conducting market research to determine customer needs and provide information to sales staff.

• Serve as a Stock Yards Collective product development subject matter expert, with in-depth knowledge of manufacturing capabilities of all Stock Yards locations.

• Collaborate with category, marketing, FSQA, Stock Yards Collective (SYC) operations and other functions to drive project potential and assure aligned direction on priorities.

• Identify and recommend relevant SYC manufacturing location based on knowledge of equipment capabilities and understanding of distribution impact.

• Maintain solid technical and business understanding of the competitive set, and emerging technology to help identify gap or opportunity areas for technical point of difference in US Foods' products. Drive next generation manufacturing capabilities discussions.

• Develop best-in-class nutritional attributes, formulas and product and ingredient specifications that meet corporate, regulatory, and consumer/customer needs. Ensure that brand integrity and brand strategies are maintained. This will include bench work at relevant SYC location and/or Rosemont and communication with outside ingredient suppliers to identify the best sources. 

• Ensure that projects are delivered with the highest quality to the business on agreed timelines and within budget and are communicated with senior leadership and other stakeholders.

• Provide support for marketing events and promotions.

• Other duties as assigned by manager.

SUPERVISION

• N/A

RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal: Interact with cross-functional team in Rosemont (Category, FSQA, Marketing, Comms, Sales) as well as operations and project management contacts across all SYC manufacturing locations.

• External: Maintain relationships with relevant ingredient suppliers, such as seasoning manufacturers, to assist in identifying best options for development and commercialization. SYC Product Developer may also be asked to present new items and ideas to SYC customers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This role will be based onsite in a SYC facility and also supports multiple Stock Yards Collective locations and as such, will spend significant time in refrigerated manufacturing facilities as well as US Foods Rosemont head office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in hands-on product development and new product innovation, with extensive product development/ in Beef, Pork, Poultry or Deli. This includes both bench development and commercialization scale-up.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong sensory evaluation and analysis skills.

• Strategic decision-making approach to business interests.

• High collaboration and project management skills to work across a broad business base. Ability to influence and translate technical information in a non-technical way to all levels in an organization. Strong judgement and decision-making skills.

• Highly organized with a strong focus on detail and accuracy. Able to thrive in a complex, high demand, evolving environment, requiring quick responsiveness. Must be able to handle multiple priorities while maintaining focus on the bottom line.

• Must demonstrate a high degree of written and verbal skills and have excellent organization and presentation skills.

• Must be able to work effectively as an individual with minimal supervision or as a team member as required.

• Must possess strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, and Outlook.

• Excellent knowledge of HACCP and its application in food industry.

• The candidate should have a strong foundation in the core fundamentals of the culinary arts.

• Strong passion for food and the drive to develop this passion throughout the organization.

Travel:

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must be willing to travel up to an estimated 25% of time.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. An exception may be made for individuals with significant experience in supplier-side, hands-on COP product development. 

Certifications/Training

• N/A

Licenses

• N/A

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 2 years Project Management experience

• Seafood experience

This role will also receive an annual incentive plan bonus.

​Benefits for this role may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance. To review available benefits, please click here:

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