Job Description

• Maintain hands-on responsibility in all aspects of the product development process from benchtop to commercialization.

• Brainstorm with the Sales & Marketing team to support development initiatives, including reformulation and new product development.

• Lead the team continuously sourcing new ingredients to reduce product cost.

• Collaborate with cross functional teams to achieve deliverables within project timelines and identify bill of materials (BOM) and return on investment (ROI) on reformulation projects and new product development.

• Define testing criteria, and equipment requirements for innovation and continuous growth.

• Analyze testing data to plan and assess the feasibility of new products.

• Organize plant trials on existing products to ensure quality consistency on a regular basis, and new products as needed.

• Direct, review and approve new or improved formulations that are in adherence with company standards, federal, state and local rules and regulations.

• Research on the labeling regulations, and work with QA to ensure that all information printed on the package is compiled.

• Prepare product specifications, formulas, technical reports and test run plans. Ensure that all documents are strictly controlled, and kept securely and confidentially.

• Keep update of market developments and industry trends to lead the industry.

• Troubleshoot any product technical support for production in a timely manner to control production downtime.

• Oversee hiring, training, coaching, and disciplinary actions of department staff and/or contract staff.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, chemistry or a related field.

• 5 to 7 years in the product development role, minimum 2-3 years proven track records of R&D leadership in the food manufacturing industry. Previous experience of Asian frozen products, i.e., spring rolls preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of ingredients functionality, product evaluation, health and nutrition, food manufacturing processes, microbiology, quality assurance principles, and market research principles.

• Demonstrated knowledge of project management including resource coordination, cost control and timeline management.

• Must be familiar with USDA, FDA and other food manufacturing related laws and regulations if applicable.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule depending on the operational needs.

• Must be a team player with excellent interpersonal, organization and time management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills along with computer skills. (MS Word and Excel)

• Must be able to motivate, coach, train, reward, and recognize employees.

• Bilingual in Chinese is preferred.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Pay is between $90K-$100K/year plus discretionary bonus.