Product Development Specialist

**ABOUT WELLMORE HOLDINGS**

Wellmore Holdings owns and operates a portfolio of clean, fast-growing brands across several health and wellness categories, including sports nutrition, plant-based protein, collagen, teas, and superfoods. Owned by WM Partners, the Wellmore portfolio of brands includes Vega, Great Lakes Wellness, Jade Leaf Matcha, and FGO (From Great Origins).

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

As a Product Development Specialist, you will be responsible for the development of new products, packaging line extension, and product formulation and packaging improvement and optimization. This role is expected to conduct all types of technical work including but not limited to: supporting scientific research, product concept refinement, material sourcing, product formulation, benchtop prototyping, process optimization, packaging development and optimization, sensory evaluation, and product commercialization.

**Requirements**:
**WHAT YOU WILL DO**
- Lead tactical product development innovation projects including but not limited to packaging line extension, new flavor extension.
- Developing formulations and processes to deliver on consumer expectations based on product brief.
- Participate in product ideation and core team meetings in relation to product development project.
- Support development of disruptive and progressive innovation projects.
- Perform bench scale trials and weigh up of samples as part of product development and product optimization to address cost savings and supply chain initiatives.
- Perform analytical testing of ingredients and products including but not limited to density testing, water activity, and viscosity testing.
- Support packaging development, and improvement projects across brands, ensuring cost targets and co-manufacturing capabilities are met.
- Perform packaging fill test, fill line determination, secondary packaging and pallet configuration determination. Coordinate packaging trials and ship test to validate commercial viability of packaging solutions.
- Facilitate proper documentation, maintain accurate records of all technical work and prepare presentations related to projects, as applicable.
- Organize, maintain and replenish the inventory of laboratory supplies and ingredient samples.
- Ensure proper care and maintenance of laboratory equipment and maintain an orderly and clean work environment.
- Support sourcing primary and secondary ingredients in accordance to product specifications, quality programs, and product certifications including the Non-GMO Project Verification, Vegan Action, USDA Organic, and Informed Choice.
- Collaborate with various internal departments including; Marketing, Sales, QA, Operations, Legal, Scientific Affairs and Regulatory to ensure the commercial viability of new products.
- Coordinate sensory validation, nutritional testing, stability testing, and product certification with corresponding team.
- Support validation of deviations and change control from sample preparation to sensory validation.

**WHAT YOU BRING**
- Minimum B.Sc. degree in food science or related fields
- 1-3 years of product development experience in nutritional products with preference on powder and ready-to drink format
- Project management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
- Can manage multiple tasks at one time
- Experience in lab management and bench scale trials
- Familiar with the Canadian Food & Drug Acts and Regulation and FDA regulations for Food and Dietary Supplements (DSHEA)
- Familiarity with certifications, including vegan, non-GMO Project, NSF, among others an asset
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proactive in identifying areas of improvement and a learner mentality (constantly expanding technical knowledge)
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Project, and Excel; familiarity with Nutritional calculation software (Genesis)
- Experience working with suppliers and contract manufacturers and proven ability to work cross-functionally and independently.

NICE TO HAVE
- Experience with packaging development, with understanding of packaging materials - rigid and flexible packaging development and design.
- Understanding of regulatory and technical requirements related to packaging materials and design.
- Experience working in food, tea and nutritional manufacturing/packaging facilities with understanding of manufacturing and packaging processes, equipment and food safety standards
- Knowledge of ASTM packaging testing methods.

**Benefits**

**PERKS & BENEFITS**

Join us in helping people be well, more You will have the opportunity to work with sharp, motivated humans working to make a positive impact on the planet, on people and on the communities we live in. Some of our benefits & perks for full-time employees include:

- Comprehensive Health Benefits
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Short-term and Long-term disability
- Education, Fitness & BeWell Flex Funds
- Rewards & Recognition
- Employee Re