Product Development Specialist

**ABOUT US**

Organic Traditions is a Canadian family owned and operated company. We desire to nourish people with the most nutrient dense superfoods from healing traditions around the world. Our vision is to inspire people to fuel themselves with high-quality, organic nutrition for prevention, regeneration, and longevity so they can live their healthiest, most vibrant life possible.

We are a growing, fast-paced, entrepreneurial business where you can use your initiative, creativity, and skill to help take our established organic health food brand to the next level.

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

**Product Development**
- Lead the development of new superfood products from concept through commercialization, including adaptogen lattes, mushroom coffees, supplements, and functional baking ingredients
- Work closely with cross-functional teams (marketing, QA, production, etc.) to ensure successful product launches
- Research and evaluate novel superfood ingredients, adaptogens, and functional ingredients for use in new products

**Formulation and Testing**
- Develop and test new product formulations that balance nutrition, functionality, stability, and sensory appeal
- Conduct ingredient sourcing and trials, with specific focus on organic, plant-based, and functional ingredients
- Design and execute batch testing, sensory evaluation, and self-life analysis for superfood products
- Optimize bioactive compound retention and efficacy throughout processing and shelf life

**Process Development**
- Create project plans, timelines, and technical documentation for new product launches
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product formulations and processes
- Collaborate with operations to optimize product formulations for scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness
- Develop techniques to maintain the integrity and bioavailability of functional ingredients

**Market and Regulatory Compliance**
- Stay current on market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging research specifically within superfoods
- Ensure all products comply with relevant regulatory requirements (FDA, CFIA, organic, non-GMO, etc.)
- Maintain detailed documentation of product development processes, including recipes, processing parameters, test results, and regulatory compliance
- Prepare nutritional analyses and ingredient declarations for product packaging

**Quality and Innovation**
- Address and resolve product or process-related challenges during development and production
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives for existing products
- Support quality assurance team with technical expertise on superfood ingredients and functional formulations
- Conduct competitive analyses to identify opportunities for product differentiation

**WHO YOU ARE**
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or related field
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in product development within the functional food, supplement, or natural products industry
- Experience with adaptogenic herbs, or other bioactive ingredients is highly desirable
- Strong knowledge and passion for superfood ingredients, their functional properties, and processing considerations
- Understanding of nutritional biochemistry and the health benefits of functional ingredients
- Experience with plant-based formulations and natural preservation methods
- Strong familiarity with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP, organic certification, etc.) and Canada and USA regulatory frameworks for natural health products
- Demonstrated ability to balance nutritional efficacy with sensory appeal in product development
- Knowledge of stability considerations for bioactive compounds in food systems
- Creative problem-solving skills with a scientific approach
- Excellent project management abilities with strong analytical skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate with diverse team members
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in an entrepreneurial environment

**WHY WORK WITH US**
- Competitive base salary
- Hybrid work model with flexible office hours
- Summer Hours; ½ day Friday’s
- Free product allowance
- Employee discounts on OT product as well as partner products
- Annual & Summer team events
- Fun, supportive & collaborative environment

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $55,000.00-$91,991.24 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- No weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:

- North York, ON M9L 2W3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- What are your annual salary expectations?

**Language**:

- English (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in North York, ON M9L 2W3

Application deadline: 2025-06-27