Product Developer

About the role

The Research & Development team at Talking Rain Beverage Company is seeking a Product Development Specialist to join our dynamic and innovative team. This role is responsible for driving product development and innovation, from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Drive and lead end-to-end product development projects from benchtop through commercialization and product reassessment.
• Leverage knowledge of ingredient functionality, processing parameters, and flavor functionality to develop finished formulas and rapid prototypes to test with consumers.
• Manage multiple projects of various degrees of difficulty, including more complex and long-term projects that require sustained involvement and coordination skills across several divisions.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Insights, Operations, Procurement, Quality and Engineering in the Product Development process.
• Create design of experiments and lead and conduct trials required for product validation during the development phase.
• Compile, provide, and communicate data clearly in relation to moving products to the commercialization phase.
• Create initial cost of goods, specifications of process control, and finished specifications.
• Identify and lead opportunities to plan, formulate, and research the development of new products.
• Solve technical problems creatively and efficiently, working with vendors and ingredient suppliers to develop product solutions, including optimal solutions for process implementation and improvement.
• Proactively identify and lead optimization opportunities for formulation and production, resulting in improved quality, efficiency, and reduced costs.
• Partner with supplier and co-packer networks to deliver meaningful impact to the company, such as cost reduction, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
• Analyze and present project results outlining and recommending the next steps to internal stakeholders.
• Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are always followed, notifying immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• 5+ years of product development experience, ideally in the beverage industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field preferred; equivalent experience.
• Strong working knowledge of food science principles, chemical composition of food and ingredients, ingredient functionality, food manufacturing and package development processes and ingredient functionality.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with the opportunity to learn and make an impact quickly.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience with low/no sugar and functional beverages.
• Strong experience and understanding of flavors.
• Expert ability to multi-task and contribute to multiple projects at the same time.
• Creates increased benefits and successes through collaboration and by sharing ideas and resources.
• Creative, proactive self-starter who is organized with a strong attention to detail.
• Foodies are highly preferred.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.
• Ability to travel 25-30% to support trials, vendor visits, co-manufacturer visits, etc.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Skills

• Product development experience in the beverage industry.
• Knowledge of food science principles and ingredient functionality.
• Experience with low/no sugar and functional beverages.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly motivated and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Benefits

• Three Weeks of Vacation per calendar year.
• Additional week of vacation every few years, depending on exempt status.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) with Immediate Vesting.
• Relocation Available (when available).
• Carpool Program.
• Vehicle Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional Development Opportunities.

Pay

$104,000 - $129,000 annually.

Schedule

Onsite at our Preston, WA office 5 days a week. While we strive to offer flexibility, this role also requires it. There may be times when you're expected to come onsite outside your typical in-office days to support special projects, team events, or other business needs.