Product Development Specialist - Russell Tobin : Job Details

The Product Developer is responsible for supporting the creation and design of value-added bread products, both branded and private label. This position provides technical R&D support for process or product improvement projects, including cost savings projects, and new processing and/or ingredient technologies.

Product Developer

Location: Oak Creek, WI 53154

Hire Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: $90k/year – $110k/year

Department: R&D

Key Responsibilities (Essential Job Functions)

This position is responsible for the day-to-day activities required to support product and process initiatives. This position will:

• Provide hands-on technical support and management for new product launches, product changes, and cost savings.
• Work with Operations and Quality to ensure high-quality products are translated from the bench to production in an efficient and safe manner.
• Conduct plant trials and drive technical expertise in product through understanding equipment capabilities.
• Act as the technical liaison between Marketing, Sales, R&D, QA, and Operations for new product launches, product changes, and cost savings.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by enforcing procedures, rules, and regulations.

Plant Trials & Commercialization:

• Conduct plant trials and first production runs to ensure a smooth transition to the commercialization of an approved lab prototype:
• Trial preparation and gathering of ingredients, pre-scales, and packaging
• Lead pre/post-trial meetings
• Gather unbiased and accurate data, conduct data analysis, and collect samples
• Prepare trial reports
• Identify, report, and make recommendations on improvements during trials and feasibility to create efficiencies and minimize loss
• Achieve manufacturing feasibility and efficiency, product safety, and product quality

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement:

• Solve technological problems and implement solutions for formulation and processing issues
• Liaise with ingredient and equipment suppliers to reduce costs and/or reformulate
• Support operations and procurement in the testing of alternative ingredients due to supply issues and cost-saving initiatives
• Maximize the use of existing recipes to optimize plant efficiencies and reduce waste
• Adjust batch sizes of recipes to optimize ease of manufacture and reduce material waste

Project Management & Product Development:

• Lead multiple projects at the same time and ensure activities are delivered to project timelines
• Effectively prioritize tasks to meet deliverables
• Lead or assist in product formulation and reformulation, and create culinary concepts and prototypes, as needed
• Conduct sensory assessments and prepare sensory reports for product assessments and approvals
• Standardize sensory practices and protocol
• Provide technical recommendations on future product capabilities based on equipment and technology assessments
• Communicate clearly and effectively with all stakeholders
• Keep key stakeholders informed when issues arise
• Pack and ship samples to customers and stakeholders

Other Duties:

• Travel required: 20% (primarily within North America – USA & Canada)
• Some weekend or after-hours work may be required

Education & Experience

Required:

• Degree in Food Science, Engineering, or Science from a recognized University; OR
• Diploma in Baking or Culinary Arts from a recognized College
• 3–4 years of experience in bakery manufacturing, preferably in R&D
• 5 years of related experience in manufacturing, product development, or quality within the food industry
• Experience in sensory evaluation
• Experience with industrial bakery equipment for yeast-raised products, breads, rolls, or chemically leavened products
• Proven leadership abilities and strong communication/interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Attention to detail, urgency, and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Positive, team-oriented attitude

Preferred/Considered a Plus:

• Certified Master Baker
• Thorough knowledge of bakery equipment and processing techniques
• Strong technical background in ingredient functionality related to bakery products
• Knowledge of plant practices and regulations regarding HACCP, SOPs, and GMPs
• Proactive mindset with a curiosity to investigate and learn
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Mix of plant floor and office work environments
• Adherence to all required food safety protocols in a manufacturing setting
• Ability to stand for 8–10 hours, walk on flat/uneven surfaces, and climb stairs
• Exposure to loud noises, strong smells, flour dust
• Must be alert to machinery malfunctions, alarms, and emergency announcements

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, and reach
• Occasionally required to sit, climb, stoop, kneel, crawl, talk, and hear
• Regularly lift/move up to 10 lbs
• Frequently lift/move up to 25 lbs
• Occasionally lift/move up to 70 lbs
• Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment

BENEFITS DISCLOSURE

Pride Global and its affiliates - including Russell Tobin, Pride Health, and Pride Now - offer eligible employees comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity), a 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, and employee discounts with some preferred vendors.