Senior Product Specialist (Permanent)

CoreFactor is searching for a Senior Product Development Specialist on a full-time/permanent basis.

This position is located out of Laval, Quebec and will require the successful incumbent to be in the office three to four (3-4) times per week.

The Sr. Product Developer will appeal to individuals who enjoy the challenge of participating in the creation and execution of new and improved/modified products. Areas of activity within the department include rapid prototyping, new product development, line extensions, product reformulation, cost reduction, ingredient evaluation, and investigating food manufacturing processes. They will collaborate closely with marketing, sales, operations, quality assurance, purchasing, and other stakeholders to bring new products and product modifications to life.

The individual will need to be self-motivated, team oriented, personally accountable, and enjoy a fast-paced environment in their pursuit of the end goal. They will be capable of bringing creative approaches to the resolution of the broad array of challenges with which they will be confronted. They must enjoy the hands-on nature of the job that will require involvement in bench, pilot and manufacturing plant activities. A passion for food science and technology together with the ability to translate theory to practice are critical.

This opportunity is based out of Laval, Quebec, with frequent travel to our other sites in the Montreal Area and some travel to our sites in the Greater Toronto Area. This role reports to a manager located off-site and will collaborate closely through virtual and period in person interactions.

The Role:

• Lead product development through all stages of the product lifecycle in support of new products and/or product modifications; from concept to bench-top prototype development to full-scale manufacturing.
  
• Support production start-up during the launch of a new or modified product. This includes spending long hours on the plant floor in a refrigerated environment with raw meats, and interacting with plant supervisors and machine operators
  
• Develop draft or final formulations, standard operating procedures, and the Bill of Materials to support new innovations or product modifications, ensuring sustainable execution at our manufacturing sites, and accurately costed products
  
• Collaborate with internal and external customers/stakeholders to provide direction and drive progress on projects (including marketing, sales, operations, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, industrial engineering, purchasing, and others)
  
• Participate in the sensory evaluation of products. This may include internal or external panels. Protein types include pork, chicken, turkey, beef.
  
• Reviews and documents raw materials, ingredients, formulations and final product specifications for the purpose of maintaining accurate records and to ensure compliance with Regulations, Product Brief, and Company standards
  
• Ensures Regulatory compliance of products by interfacing with Regulatory Affairs
  
• Gather and interpret data to drive decision-making, including microbiological and chemical analyses of products, as well as data from the plant manufacturing floor
  
• Prepare and present technical reports or results, both written and oral, to associates, peers, cross-functional stakeholders, and management with business and scientific clarity
  
• Conduct assessment of problematic product issues and work as part of a team to resolve technical challenges
  
• Independently manage product development projects and maintain project documentation, by:
  
• Developing workplans to execute projects efficiently, while incorporating aspects from the scientific method
  
• Managing a diverse list of projects, and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines
  
• Maintains project files to ensure collection and transfer of learning and knowledge as well as eligibility for Income Tax Credits
  
• Maintains confidentiality of projects, data and other matters relating to MLF business
  
• Stay abreast of new technology, and product knowledge. Apply learnings to achieve project objectives, and ideate new innovation/cost savings opportunities. This may include:
  
• Consults technical resources (literature, technical papers, academia, suppliers) to further product knowledge and apply the learning to execute projects
  
• Conducts competitive reviews to assist in identifying opportunities for product improvement and innovation
  
• Assist with the identification and development of ideas for technology improvements and/or cost savings
  
• Maintains current knowledge by reading and disseminating relevant information from academic and trade literature
  

Interfaces with and leverages the supplier and academic community to achieve project goals

Requirements

• B.Sc. or College Diploma in Food Science/Technology, Nutrition or a related science discipline or equivalent experience
  
• Minimum of 5 years experience in Product Development, Operations or Quality Control, preferable in red meat or poultry
  
• Functionally competent in Microsoft 365 programs
  
• Strong written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
  
• Must have strong coaching and/or people management skills
  
• Excellent analytical problem-solving skills
  
• Enjoy and thrive in a fast-paced environment
  
• Strong sense of initiative and ability to work to maintain high performance and meet deadlines without direct onsite supervision.
  
• Ability to work in an office environment, and on the manufacturing site production floor.
  
• Bilingual fluency in French and English – minimum full fluency in French, and intermediate or advanced proficiency in English
  

Working Location:

• This position is based out of Laval, Quebec with frequent travel to our sites in the Greater Montreal Area. Infrequent travel to our sites in the Greater Toronto Area.
  
• The individual must have a valid driver’s license and a car available
  
• Schedule flexibility is required – schedule will require various start times and occasional shift work or long hours to support work at our manufacturing sites such as plant trials, first production runs, etc.