Product Development Specialist

Product Development Specialist

The Product Development Specialist is responsible for developing and commercializing innovative food products from concept through production. This person works directly with the Development Team to produce, taste test, and revise recipes until product meets with satisfaction internally. Broader sampling will then be conducted to ensure market acceptance.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Meet with Development team on target items and develop a project list and timelines for approval.
• Plan, develop, and manage those development projects from concept through commercialization.
• The categories to be working on are popcorn, corn puffs, granol, and snack mixes.
• Go to lehivalley.com to familiarize yourself with current products.
• Develop and refine product formulations to achieve desired taste, texture, appearance, shelf life, and cost objectives working in production area and kitchen with the team.
• Convert laboratory and pilot-scale recipes into full-scale recipes and processes that align with plant capabilities.
• Recommend and work with team on process improvements before launch.
• Conduct product testing, evaluations, and sensory analysis.
• Ensure all products comply with food safety, quality, regulatory, and labeling requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation, formulations, specifications, and project records.
• Monitor project timelines and communicate progress to Development.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of hands-on product development and commercialization experience in a manufacturing environment with Development team members.
• Strong working knowledge of ingredient functionality, food chemistry, thermal processing, pH, emulsions, and shelf-life stability.
• Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing products from concept through commercialization.
• Knowledge of food processing equipment and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to scale recipes from bench-top or pilot batches to full-scale production.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Valid Food Handler Card or the ability to obtain one upon hire.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to support plant trials and production schedules.

Preferred:

• Experience with confectionery, popcorn, granola, snack foods, or related products.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and food safety standards.
• Experience working in SQF or GFSI-certified manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ingredient functionality, nutritional labeling, and regulatory compliance.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift twenty-five pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and noisy production environments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).