Product Development Specialist - (Research and Development)

Job Summary:

The Product Development Specialist will be responsible for Research and Development of our Dietary Supplement and Sports Nutrition lines. This position will coordinate the product development process for new product formulations from initiation to launch, internally with other departments and externally with manufacturers and suppliers. This position is a great opportunity for a person looking to enhance their career in product development/R&D in the natural products industry or a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in nutritional science, food science, biochemistry, or another relevant field.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee product development of new products through the product lifecycle, including ideation, research, ingredient sourcing, formulation, labeling and product education
• Source new and innovative ingredients; review ingredients to ensure they meet specifications
• Keep up with current industry and current market trends and apply these to development of new products
• Create original product concepts and present to executive team in a group setting
• Review and interpret scientific literature on ingredients to guide decisions related to formulation
• Maintain professional and positive vendor relationships  
• Collaborate with Contract Manufacturers on development of product formulation, problem solve and contribute unique solutions when challenges arise
• Coordinate cross-department on product launches through compliance, label, marketing material etc.  
• Review technical documentation to ensure ingredients and formula meets requirements and specifications  
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously and manage them through their life cycle from initiation to launch
• Review marketing materials for accuracy and proper emphasis
• Analyze the market and create Competitive Analysis to propose new product pricing
• Maintain electronic record with status of all concepts and development projects
• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.

Skills:

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, memos and write clearly.
• Ability to present one-on-one and group situations.  
• Excellent verbal communication skills with phone manner of a clear, concise professional manner.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Type of minimum of 35 words per minute
• General computer, e-mail and internet knowledge.

• Open to collaboration with group, other perspectives and easy to work with
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong math skills
• Driven, determined, enthusiastic and persistent
• Self-motivated, ability to work independently as well as in a group
• Ability to work with and adapt to changes
• Ability to multitask and manage shifting priorities.

Requirements

• (1) one-year minimum experience in the natural products space, sports nutrition space.
• Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited university or college.
• Proven Project management skills.