Product Developer

Do you have a few years of experience in Food Product Development, supporting various stages of the product lifecycle (concept to launch)?

We are seeking a creative, innovative, and eager to learn Product Developer to join our dynamic team and fast-growing business!

VM Food Group offers :

• A competitive compensation package including comprehensive health benefits;
• Flexible work hours;
• An entrepreneurial spirit and the soul of a start-up;
• Valued creativity, open-mindedness, out-of-box thinking, and flexibility;
• Opportunity to take your career to the next level in a growing company;
• Complimentary oatmeal!

Here’s a bit about VM Food Group : Vaughn Mills Packaging Ltd. ( VM Food Group ) manufactures and distributes oatmeal and other hot cereal products, servicing businesses of all sizes across North America.

We are one of North America’s leading value-added private label partners for retail brands, bringing innovation and thought leadership to the hot cereal breakfast category.

We specialize in the formulation, mixing, and packaging of private label oatmeal to the North American grocery market, with our largest category served being single-serve instant oatmeal and specialty blends.

We excel because of our innovation, responsiveness, and strong corporate culture to deliver the most effective solutions.

Here’s what you will do as Product Developer :

The Product Developer will play an important role in the research and development of new or enhanced food products at VM Food Group.

The Product Developer will be a direct link to the operations and sales teams to help produce the best products for our customers by supporting formula management and development, developing product plans, evaluating and interpreting results, ensuring that all new materials comply with food safety parameters, and are seamlessly incorporated into VM Food Group’s existing systems and programs.

Required :

• Manage the product lifecycle including conceptualization, design, trials, creation and evaluation of new concepts, recipes, product / ingredient specifications, and products for targeted markets or customers and final product specifications;
• Coordinate ingredients and materials for in-house trials;
• Conduct plant trials and First Productions. Troubleshoot with Operations and Production teams and produce documentation;
• Collaborate with Procurement and suppliers to source and test ingredients;
• Assist in approving or rejecting new raw materials, conducting research and testing new ingredients and processing techniques;
• Manage and update databases and systems (i.e., formulations, new food sources, bill of materials, research and development of raw materials, nutritional fact tables, etc.);
• Develop and prepare samples for customers and coordinate the distribution of samples;
• Assist with packaging changes and artwork, ensuring compliance with government regulations;
• Review and establish claims and callouts on packaging as required;
• Stay abreast of trends and developments within the industry and techniques that will keep the brand in the forefront;
• Prepare finished products to the highest standards for marketing activities including promotional materials and events;
• Prepare analysis and reports for key stakeholders;
• Attend customer meetings & presentations, respond and troubleshoot inquiries and provide resolutions;
• Ensure products meet food safety parameters and rules;
• Special projects as assigned for the overall benefit of the Company.

Here’s what you’ll need to be successful as Product Developer :

• Bachelor’s degree in food science and technology or a related field;
• 2-4 years of experience in product development, within food manufacturing and / or food CPG. Experience supporting full product lifecycle is preferred;
• Knowledge of ingredients and formula portfolios, product evaluation, health and nutrition, food manufacturing processes, microbiology, quality assurance principles, and market research principles;
• Creative and innovative product development enthusiast;
• In-depth knowledge of applicable government regulations (i.e., CFIA / FDA), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), allergens, and Food Safety and Quality Control tools and standards;
• Strong MS Office Suite (including Excel and PowerPoint);
• Experience with Genesis / Esha or other similar software;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Proven experience writing clear, concise, and accurate procedural documentation;
• Superior problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions;
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, investigative, and analytical skills;
• Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders as well as cross-functional teams;
• Exceptional project management skills and sense of urgency (overseeing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines);
• Flexible, adaptable, and open to wearing many hats in our small, nimble, and growing business;
• Ability to play a key role in supporting and promoting Food Safety & Quality standards of the company.

Interested in being a part of VM Food Group? We look forward to your application! We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to deliver on our mission, and that to achieve our vision of excellence requires an environment in which everyone feels welcomed and valued, including our team, and those we serve and with whom we work.

VM Food Group is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of all applicants throughout the recruiting and selection process.

Please let us know about any accommodation and / or support requirements. Please note only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note we are only accepting applications from those authorized to work in Canada and we are not currently sponsoring any temporary or permanent work visas.

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