Job Title

Product Development Specialist Food Ingredients Mississauga, ON The Opportunity: Our client is a cutting edge, innovation house for the food-manufacturing sector. For someone who wants to be on the front lines of innovation and R&D for clients spanning from meat processing, confectionery, vegetarian, nutraceutical, sauces, coatings, seasonings, & ingredients this is it! Job Duties & Responsibilities: Combine your Food Science & Culinary skills plus food production knowledge to create new recipes and formulas for industrial food processors. Conduct bench testing for ingredient review and comparison specific to performance, function and cost. Master a wide range of ingredients with exemplary knowledge of ingredient function, application, origin and regulation. Develop functional ingredient systems for wide range of end products including meat processing, batter and breading systems, vegetarian analogues, spice rubs and seasoning blends. Determine match formulas for competitors products. Create line extensions for existing products in market. Demonstrate least cost formulating techniques and cost reduce existing products as needed. Conduct sensory and quantitative analysis of ingredient blends and finished goods. Ensure all products are developed efficiently and effectively from ideation through to commercial implementation. Ensure formulations meet all possible targets as outlined by project development request. Attend customer plant trials off site to ensure formulas perform in scale up environment. Understand and provide guidance on optimization of operational practices and procedures in production environment. As a member of the Research and Development Department, work alongside other departments including Purchasing, Quality Control and QA / Regulatory to ensure new projects are developed within cost parameters and meet food safety standards. Work alongside Operations & Logistics departments to ensure products developed meet standards for successful commercialization and feasible implementation of commercial goods. Conduct daily bench testing and sample blends for both internal and customer review. Interface directly with customers on-site and off-site to develop and test formulas and trial scale up tests on project-by-project basis. Maintain working test kitchen in organized, efficient and safe manner, including equipment cleaning and maintenance, and raw material inventory replenishment. Desired Qualifications & Competencies: The successful candidate will be self-motivated, flexible and demonstrate great communication skills. They will be up to date on culinary and ingredient trends, have an inquisitive nature and demonstrated passion for all things food! Degree OR Diploma in Food Science, Product Development, Science & Business or related field. 2-4 years experience in a similar or related experience where product development skills were obtained. Willingness to go beyond expectations, learn new skills and take on new challenges & responsibilities. Valid Drivers Licence and access to car with willingness to drive on regular basis. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) with experience in R&D/Nutrient Data Software is a bonus.