The Product Development Specialist will be responsible for Research and Development of our Dietary Supplement and Sports Nutrition lines. This position will be coordinating the product development process for new product formulations from initiation to launch, both 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 in Nutritional Science, Food Science, Biochemistry, or another relevant field.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• 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 the development of new products.
• Create original product concepts and present them to the 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 solving 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 a Competitive Analysis to propose new product pricing.
• Maintain electronic record with status of all concepts and development projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Project Management skills, ability to multitask and manage shifting priorities.
• 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.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, Business, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• 1 to 3 years’ experience in the natural products and/or sports nutrition space.

SUCCESS PROFILE

• Proactive and innovative professional with strong technical expertise and project management skills.
• Possess a creative and analytical mindset, are highly organized, and excel in cross-functional collaboration.
• Deep understanding of customer needs, adaptable in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrates strong communication abilities.
• Driven, curious, and a team player with high ethical standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, printers, and copiers.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies and equipment, typically up to 20 pounds.
• Good vision and hearing are necessary for reading detailed product specifications, observing product features, and communicating with team members.