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The Senior Product Developer (NPD & Commercialization) is a senior technical and leadership role responsible for owning the execution of product development and commercialization activities from concept through launch. This position serves as the operational lead within R&D, ensuring that products are designed for manufacturability, packaging, compliance, and scale-up, and are fully ready for production at the time of launch. Reporting to the Director of R&D, this role acts as a key bridge between R&D, Operations, QA, Supply Chain, Packaging, Sales, and Finance. The position is accountable for translating innovation and customer requirements into commercially viable, scalable, and production-ready products, while enforcing disciplined stage-gate execution, robust documentation, and strong cross-functional alignment. This role is suited for a highly organized, hands-on product development professional with strong commercialization experience and demonstrated leadership capability, who can support and guide others while remaining deeply involved in technical execution.
Job Responsibility:
Own the execution of product development and commercialization projects, ensuring clear scope, timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables from concept through launch
Lead products through all development stages, including bench-top development, feasibility trials, plant trials, and first production
Ensure products are technically and operationally ready for launch, with validated formulations, processes, packaging, specifications, and documentation
Review and validate formulations, ingredients, and nutritional information to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, clean label standards, and customer and market expectations
Partner with QA, Regulatory, and Supply Chain to ensure ingredient selections meet functional, nutritional, labeling, and cost targets throughout development and commercialization
Proactively identify technical, operational, packaging, supply, and compliance risks and drive mitigation plans early in the development cycle
Lead and enforce stage-gate discipline, ensuring projects meet defined readiness criteria before progressing
Partner with Operations to ensure products are designed for manufacturability on existing and new production lines
Plan, coordinate, and lead production trials, and support first productions, ensuring structured execution, clear ownership, and documented outcomes
Ensure learnings from trials are captured, documented, and incorporated into final product designs, formulations, and specifications
Own R&D input into packaging design and commercialization, ensuring packaging solutions are fit for product performance, shelf life, food safety, line efficiency, and customer requirements
Lead packaging selection and development in collaboration with Operations, QA, Supply Chain, and external packaging suppliers
Ensure packaging solutions are compatible with line capabilities, automation, case packing, palletization, and distribution requirements
Support development and validation of packaging specifications, packaging BOMs, and packaging-related SOPs
Identify packaging-related risks early and ensure testing and validation during feasibility trials, plant trials, and first productions
Act as the primary R&D interface for Operations, QA, Supply Chain, Packaging, Finance, and Sales on commercialization projects
Ensure cross-functional alignment on timelines, costs, capacity, and launch readiness
Support customer-facing initiatives by providing technical input, feasibility assessments, and execution plans
Partner with Finance and Supply Chain to support accurate costing, BOM integrity, and margin targets
Ensure accurate, complete, and timely R&D documentation, including formulations, BOMs, specifications, SOPs, trial reports, and packaging documentation
Drive consistent and effective use of ERP, formulation, and documentation systems to support scalable R&D execution
Work in close collaboration with R&D Continuous Improvement to identify gaps in processes, tools, and communication and implement practical improvements
Support SR&ED and internal reporting requirements through disciplined documentation and traceability
Provide technical guidance, direction, and day-to-day support to R&D team members as needed
Act as a mentor and coach, supporting the development of less experienced team members and reinforcing R&D best practices
Contribute to building R&D capability, structure, and discipline as the team and organization continue to grow
Support the Director of R&D as an operational backup and escalation point when required.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Minimum 8 years of experience in food product development, preferably within baked goods or commercial food manufacturing
Proven experience leading product commercialization and scale-up in a manufacturing environment
Demonstrated experience integrating packaging design into product development and launch execution
Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation development, nutrition, regulatory compliance, and clean label considerations
Solid knowledge of food manufacturing processes, equipment, and production constraints
Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience coaching, mentoring, or guiding others in a technical environment
Highly organized, structured, and disciplined in project execution and documentation
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems, and formulation/nutrition software (e.g., Genesis or similar)
Ability to work in a food allergen environment (wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, etc.)
Willingness to support plant trials, line commissioning, and travel as required.
What we offer:
Competitive salary and company benefits
Opportunities for professional learning, development, and growth