Product Application Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Product Application Specialist (Beverage)Who we want (an Intrapreneur):Intrapreneurial Attitude: Learning by doing Unstructured Fluid Values emotions as well as reason Contribution Results Relationship-focused Change AbundanceWhy be an Intrapreneur? Opportunity to make a lasting difference See, touch and feel the results of your efforts Have far more responsibility much faster than the corporate trackExpectations: Do not expect to be managed. Manage yourself and manage up.Don't wait to be told what to do - figure out what you think needs doing, check in if you need to, and do it.Don't expect other people to always pat you on the back - learn how to motivate yourself and ask for positive feedback when you need it. Coachable - listen and take action on your Entrepreneur/Coach's successful experienceStrategy: Create Value Understand your Unique Ability (what you do best and most love doing.) Provide direction only in the area of your Unique Ability Provide Confidence - confidence about what you say and what you'll do. Come to work fully engaged Curious and always want to learn more Take Initiative means stepping out, taking a risk and trying something.The most successful and valued Intrapreneurs don't avoid problems, they actively look for them and tackle them head-on.Focus on Results - live in the Results Economy, not the Time-and-Effort Economy. Goal is to always be minimizing the time and effort while maximizing the results. Ownership AttitudeOur greatest lessons occur not when things go as expected, but when they don't, and we learn what to do differently next time. Own your actions, behaviors and communication for then you'll have the power to change them.Ask your Coach/Entrepreneur "what do I need to know in order for this project to be successful?" Be In Alignment Understand the desired result, and do what you need to do to align with it. Definition of result: Answer question - "What does it look like when it's done and done well?" Apply: Title: Product Application Specialist (Beverage)Role SummaryWe're seeking a Product Application Specialist to support beverage innovation through hands-on recipe blending, structured sensory/taste panels, customer needs discovery, and market trend research. This role will be a key contributor to new product development, helping translate customer feedback and competitive insights into beverage concepts that are tested, refined, documented, and ready for development.Key ResponsibilitiesCustomer Communication & Needs DiscoveryCommunicate directly with internal team members and existing customers to understand their beverage programs, menu goals, operational constraints, and product needs.Gather and document feedback on current products and new concepts (flavor, performance, preparation, packaging, price/value perception).Share insights internally and help translate them into clear development briefs and product opportunities.New Product Development (NPD) ContributionServe as a strong hands-on contributor to NPD by ideating, building, and refining beverage concepts aligned with trends and customer needs.Prepare prototypes for internal review, incorporate feedback into iterative improvements.Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and Operations to align product performance, positioning, and readiness.Sensory & Taste Panel Execution (New, Existing, and Competitive)Plan and run taste panels for:Potential new beverage products in development Existing products in the current portfolio Competitive/benchmark products from the marketManage panel logistics: sample prep, blinding/labeling, serving procedures, timing, and panelist coordination.Create and maintain tasting tools (scorecards, sensory descriptors, preference questions) and compile results into clear summaries and recommendations.Beverage Blending & Recipe DocumentationConfidently blend beverage recipes and prototypes (hot, iced, and blended applications as applicable).Conduct bench trials, adjusting ratios and methods to hit target flavor and performance.Accurately log recipes, iterations, and test conditions including ingredients, weights/volumes, process steps, equipment used, yield, and tasting notes.Maintain organized records to ensure repeatability and support scale-up and commercialization.Trend & Market Research (Trade Shows and Field Learning)Travel to relevant trade shows and industry events to stay current on trends in the coffeehouse and beverage space.Conduct structured market research: sampling, note-taking, photography (where permitted), and competitive tracking.Convert trend findings into internal insights, concept proposals, and test plans.Required QualificationsExperience in beverage applications, beverage formulation, product development support, barista beverage development, or sensory evaluation.High confidence in beverage blending and recipe development with strong attention to detail and consistency.Strong documentation skills (sensory results, customer notes, recipe logs, iteration tracking).Strong interpersonal skills-comfortable speaking with customers, asking discovery questions, and presenting recommendations.Willingness and ability to travel for trade shows and customer visits as needed.Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.Strong spreadsheet skills for tracking formulas, sensory data, and competitive comparisons.Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)Prior experience running sensory panels (preference, difference, descriptive testing).Coffeehouse beverage experience (espresso-based drinks, syrups/sauces, dairy & alt-dairy systems, frozen/blended beverages).Familiarity with basic food safety and sample handling.Work Details Employment Type: Full-time, Mon-Fri Location: Onsite in Columbus, OhioTravel: OccasionalReports To: Green Coffee Buyer