A key contributor to Request Foods competitive advantage in the frozen food industry is its highly professional Product Development team. Our Product Developer will employ their culinary and food science skills in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities functioning as a technical liaison to the Soup/Manufacturing work teams. This role will be essential to the successful commercialization of new/existing product lines to the marketplace as well to the maintaining of Request Foods relationships with its valued customers.
Key Responsibilities:
Functioning as an integral element in the commercialization of new product lines manufactured at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, as well as maintaining our existing product lines to ensure their competitiveness within the frozen food market.
Working closely with the Sales, Purchasing and Operations team at Request Foods, in addition to direct customer contact, Product Development Chefs are responsible for the formulation of frozen soups from our test kitchen to the facilities production kitchens.
Executes as a liaison between the Product Development and Manufacturing departments.
Operating closely with the Manufacturing and Quality teams to maintain food quality and food safety of our products, performing trouble shooting activities to improve overall efficiency.
Creating and maintaining bills of materials in our ERP software systems, along with the creation of product formulas and procedures to support our customers documentation specific to their business.
Completes a variety of other duties including determining nutritional content of formulations, ensuring accurate labeling for products, and presenting products to corporate customers.
This position will require a significant amount of time on the manufacturing floor. Occasional travel may be required.
Essential Requirements:
A bachelor's degree in culinary arts and/or Food Science discipline is preferred.
Possess a minimum of 3+ years of related experience in the frozen food manufacturing industry.
Have the necessary technical skills including proficient computer experience using Microsoft Office applications and the Internet. A working knowledge of computer softwares such as Optiva and Claricom are a bonus.
Excellent analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and details.
Proficiency in a variety of disciplines having strong mathematical, written and interpersonal communication skills which are essential to the success of the position.