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Form of workJob Title: Product Development Specialist
Reports To: Vice President – Purchasing and R&D
FLSA Status: Exempt
SUMMARY
This individual will be instrumental in the development, testing and final evaluation of all products for PFSbrands and PFS Blends. They will be responsible for creating dry blend batters and seasonings to meet flavor and functional customer requirements and instrumental in evaluation and ongoing testing of all current and future products in the PFSbrands product mix. The person in this role must have a curiosity about the “why’s” of food and want to help the team continuously improve our food supply. They will work with other Quality department employee-owners to measure performance of suppliers through product audits and quality systems.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop custom dry blend formulations for PFS Blends manufacturing facility
- Assist in commercialization of new formulations for PFS Blends manufacturing facility
- Develop custom formulations in conjunction with PFSbrands suppliers for new products
- Assist in new product launches of new products with PFSbrands
- Assist in new supplier identification and qualification
- Test and evaluate inbound product samples and report on results
- Ensure the New Item processes and timelines are executed to PFSbrands standards
- Keep detailed records of product evaluations and formulations
- Develop new recipes for PFSbrands utilizing current products.
- Assist with the final development and maintenance of written product specifications
- Stay up to date with culinary trends in the Grocery and Convenience store channels
- Input new product information and assist with updates to current ingredient and recipe database in Genesis R&D
- Consult with Quality, Purchasing, Field Operations and Customer Success on product performance questions and issues
- Assist with management of the Menu Development System (MDS)
- Stay current with food trends by attending trade shows and visiting new and current suppliers
- Ensure adherence to all FDA, USDA, and PFSbrands food handling and safety guidelines
- Assist in continuously evaluating cooking procedures for new products and equipment
- Assist with cooking demonstrations for prospective customers and company functions
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Culinary Arts diploma or certificate of completion OR Associates degree with an emphasis in Food Science preferred
- Strong Culinary and Analytical skills required
- Experience in dry blends and flour-based coatings a plus
- Servsafe certified (or ability to become certified)
- Working knowledge of SQF Food Safety Code or ability to become familiar
- HACCP Certification or ability to become certified within six months of hire
- Strong time management skills and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and have the ability to learn other technology-based systems
- Ability to manage projects independently and report on results
- Excellent communication skills with internal peers and customers
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Typical work will be performed in a commercial kitchen environment using fryers, blenders, ovens, scales, etc.
- Routinely work in an office type environment
- Occasional work within food manufacturing facilities of all types
- Some overnight travel may be required as needed
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to regularly communicate with warehouse, field operations, manufacturing and office personnel
- Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, and sit for long periods of time
- Frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds
