Product Development Technician

**WE are Hiring - Product Development Technician Nutrition Bars (Food Manufacturing - Port Coquitlam, BC)** **Maternity Leave term employment, with the possibility of turning into fulltime, permanent employment.** **About Us**: We are fortunate to share a unique environment here at Nutri-Nation with a dedicated, highly skilled workforce that has a proven foundation built on mutual respect. We have always valued our employees as our most important resource. Our team is dynamic and enthusiastic, and we know you will enjoy growing with us. Nutri-Nation Functional Foods is part of a private, family-owned, and operated manufacturing and marketing group which began in 1971 and continues today in the hands of the founders. First and second-generation family members hold key hands-on management positions with the company. The focus on quality, service and commitment to our customer partners’ needs is never left to chance. **About the Role**: We are seeking a Product Development Specialist who is enthusiastic about creating great tasting food products through independent, hands-on trial and error in the test kitchen. Our customers and prospective customers provide us with a steady stream of new product development projects, from organic whole food formulations to more complex sugar-free, high protein, fortified or other unique formulation challenges. The Product Development specialist performs various duties in the office, test kitchen and on the production floor, but the majority of time is spent in the kitchen experimenting with ingredients and creating hand-made bench top samples for customer presentation. **Main Duties and Responsibilities**: - Becoming familiar with products, ingredients and formulation techniques for this product category - Creating presentable prototype bars that are sent to customers for evaluating - Working with suppliers and Nutri-Nation production team to solve problems and meet challenges with new and existing formulations (i.e., texture, flavour issues) - Researching new ingredients and potential vendors for those ingredients - Regular updating and maintenance of raw material information in formulation/ inventory software programs - Maintaining physical "library" of ingredient samples, as well as corresponding supplier/ specification paperwork for easy reference - Plant floor participation in scaled up production of new products, as well as general quality assurance tasks as required **About You**: - Education and experience in food science and/or culinary arts - Interest and confidence in cooking, baking, and the science of making good food are critical. Curiosity and patience for trial and error are key - Strong verbal and written communication skills - Strong general computer skills and ability to learn new programs - Organizational and record-keeping skills and ability to handle multiple tasks with attention to detail - Basic knowledge of food safety, QC documentation and third-party audit processes (GMP, HACCP, Organic, NHP, SQF) are assets **Perks & Benefits at Nutri-Nation** - Competitive hourly rate, based on experience and knowledge, and paid time off - Comprehensive Employee Benefits Program - Eligible to participate in a Profit-Sharing Program - Free Parking on site - Professional development and training support If this opportunity matches your skills and experience, and you are excited to join a great Nutri-Nation Team, please submit a resume and cover letter and tell us why you think this job would be a good fit. We thank everyone who applies, but regret that we will only be able to reply to those we wish to call for an interview. Principals only. Recruiters, please do not contact this job poster. Do NOT contact us with unsolicited services or offers. **Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract **Benefits**: - Dental care - Extended health care - Life insurance - On-site parking - Paid time off - Profit sharing - Vision care Flexible Language Requirement: - French not required Schedule: - 8 hour shift - Monday to Friday Supplemental pay types: - Bonus pay Ability to commute/relocate: - Port Coquitlam, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred) **Experience**: - Product Development Technician: 3 years (preferred) Work Location: In person