Product Development Associate

Job Summary:

Under general supervision of the Manager of Product Development, the Product Development Associate provides technical support for various product development and project management functions. This position plays a key role in conducting research, coordinating with manufacturers, and serving as a general project coordinator to support our teams and help us grow our line of products. The Product Development Associate will coordinate, organize, and identify any product development issues with other departments and suppliers. 

Job Expectations:

• Provide a variety of support functions within the Product Development Team. 
• Responsible for initial set-up and maintenance of all product information in company systems (Asana and Google Drive).
• Responsible for moving and assigning products through open project workflow in team systems and follow-up on assignments associated with existing and new product formulation.

• Prepares technical documentation relevant to product development and commercialization, including, but not limited to:Packaging specifications, finished product specification, product information sheet, and regulatory related documentation to support business initiatives.
• Coordinate receipt of product samples and perform organoleptic review for new product concepts.
• Organize a library of all product information and manage iterations to maintain current and up to date information as changes occur. 
• Work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to request and review all documentation (Finished Products & Raw Materials) for accuracy and ensure regulatory/ quality compliance. 
• Effectively troubleshoot and solve formulation challenges in collaboration with our co-manufacturing partners with speed and robustness.
• Manage trademark agreements through the Asana workflow and follow-up to ensure that agreements are fully executed. 
• Create label copy templates based on brand styles and fill in product information (i.e. daily values, trademarks, inputs…etc.) for the Product Development manager to evaluate/edit. 
• Work with the Graphics Team to proofread all artwork on packaging and labels in reference to current product data and in accordance with FDA/FTC requirements.
• Gather ingredient substantiation and scientific studies to validate product label claims. 
• Assist in developing SOPs to streamline and improve process efficiencies. 
• Responsible for tracking multiple projects at different stages of the development process.
• Work closely with co-manufacturers to align product data and timelines.
• Identify operational obstacles or bottlenecks as they arise and propose solutions to the Product Development Team.
• Collaborate with various departments including QA and Planning on problematic materials or transactions to brainstorm solutions. 
• Contribute to innovation, troubleshooting, and brainstorming ideas for future platform growth in key consumer needed state areas.

The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job.  Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Project Management skills required
• Strong analytical, data management knowledge 
• Ability to communicate written and verbally in a professional manner with people at all levels of the organization and external contacts
• Able to work in a fast pace environment

• Detail oriented, strong analytical skills, team-player

Equipment Knowledge:

• Strong MS Office skills including intermediate level Excel skills
• Asana for Project Management 
• Google Suite (Sheets, Documents, Drive, Gmail, etc.) 

Experience Requirements:

• 1-5 years of work experience in supplement or food industry in formulation.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience in R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and/or regulatory affairs.
• Understanding of CFR Title 21 Part 111 (cGMP in manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding operations for Dietary Supplements.

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science / Sensory, Nutritional Science or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key accountabilities of the job required.

#LI-LR1