\r\n\r\nJob ID: R2000618722 \r\n \r\n\r\nJob Description:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAll of our Loblaw control labels and brands make us proud because they follow our philosophy of taking something good and making it better – and that’s what our customers expect when they shop in our stores! It’s been true since the introduction of The Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie, and it’s still true today, with our PC Blue Menu and PC Organics products.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWe market our control label products in the food, health and beauty, apparel and general merchandise categories under brand names that include President’s Choice, PC, No Name, Blue Menu, Joe Fresh, Club Pack, PC Organics, Life Brand and Exact.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe Product Developer plays a crucial role in the innovation process. We are seeking a candidate with a strong technical food sciences background who has expertise in Product Development. Your role involves technical, formula, and sensory validation of products, as well as understanding global industry developments and food trends. You should also have a strong culinary (or equivalent) background and industry-specific manufacturing and production knowledge. It is important to have a thorough understanding of ingredient specifications, manufacturing processes, plant trial processes, packaging, regulatory requirements, nutrition, and labeling. \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAs a Product Developer with Loblaw Brands, your main responsibility is to develop and maintain product standards and brand guidelines to meet customer needs and drive innovation. You will collaborate with various teams such as vendors, product managers, quality assurance, procurement, marketing, and category management to identify opportunities and bring product concepts to life.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIn addition to your technical expertise, you will also be involved in vendor communication, data collection, and specification reviews. You will work in a lively and fast-paced environment, collaborating with various teams and being a key player during product launches and brand presentations. Strong timeline management and people influencing skills are important, as well as a deep knowledge of ongoing food trends.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOverall, your role as a Product Developer is to ensure that Loblaw's control brand products meet high standards, align with customer expectations, and contribute to the company's philosophy of taking something good and making it better.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhat You Will Do;\r\n\r\n\r\n\tWork closely with our team of experts to develop and test new and existing ingredients, develop and finalize recipes and pass the sensory approval process.\r\n\tPossesses a deep understanding of current and future food and industry trends and applies this knowledge in the development and planning process.\r\n\tReviews product portfolio on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance and best quality in marketplace. As required, takes steps to optimize portfolio by addressing and correcting product performance issues.\r\n\tWork with Product Manager to provide detailed briefs to vendors and clear product development targets and timelines. \r\n\tWork with vendors through all stages of the development process to ensure Critical Path timelines are met.\r\n\tWork with the Product Management & Development teams to ensure brand and project targets are being met and provide clear and directive feedback to vendor to ensure project remains on track and address sidebar concerns\r\n\tAttend and execute successful plant trials and support first productions to optimize the product development process and take corrective actions that ensure products deliver to Loblaw Brand standards. Understands the variability of each manufacturer and works with the vendor to develop clear production processes per our required brand standards. \r\n\tTimely management of Product Development critical path timelines that are delivered at all key points, and lend in delivering the overall product plan, while ensuring product standard and targets are met.\r\n\tPresent new products to the Loblaw Brands Management team and to the broader organization to drive understanding of product concept and outstanding product attributes and overall product context/historical understanding\r\n\tCreator and owner of new product specifications and ensures all appropriate process controls are mandated for the ongoing delivery of product standards\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhat You Will Bring:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tPost-secondary university degree in Food Sciences\r\n\tProven experience (minimum 4-7 years) in beverage product development or quality assurance role with strong technical skills.\r\n\tMinimum 2 years’ experience working in a manufacturing environment\r\n\tQ grader license preferred\r\n\tCreative problem solver and strategist with a strong work ethic.\r\n\tHighly organized, able to prioritize multiple projects effectively and work independently in a fast-paced environment.\r\n\tSophisticated understanding and knowledge of beverage product formulations, manufacturing, packaging and testing applications\r\n\tRequire basic knowledge of applicable government regulations\r\n\tExcellent oral/written communication skills, interpersonal skills and relationship management\r\n\tAbility to work well independently and as a team with people across all levels, unionized and non-unionized to address problems and communicate sophisticated topics to non-technical audiences.\r\n\tAble to influence and interact optimally with all levels at retail/distribution, vendor and office locations\r\n\tStrong critical thinking and problem-solving skills\r\n\tAn effective change agent who possesses the influencing skills needed to help the organization adopt new ways of thinking and to accept more sophisticated business tools\r\n\tResults oriented – consistently delivering on time\r\n\tTravel will be required and will include local, national and international\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOur commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars – Environment, Sourcing and Community – and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values – Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence – guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits – these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Canada’s Greenest Employers & Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIf you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.\r\n \r\n\r\nWe have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities. \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nPlease Note:\r\nCandidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.\r\n
