Product Development Coordinator

Have you recently graduated, are you searching for your next opportunity?

Interested in joining a privately family-owned, Canadian business? Maple Lodge Farms is Canada’s largest poultry processor. We operate to the latest in technological, health and safety and quality standards. With rapid expansion over the years, and continued innovation and investment in growth - we’re looking for committed and star players to join our team

**Role Purpose**:
Responsible for supporting the product development team with new innovation, renovation, packaging & commodity projects and initiatives.

**Key Accountabilities & Activities**:

- Assist in developing new product formulations and recipes
- Support product developers with organizing and executing plant trails.
- Prepare and ship product samples to internal team members and customers for product information sessions and customer presentations as required.
- Manage sample inventory and sending all excess test samples to the food bank
- Coordinate sending lab samples for shelf life, nutritional and chemical testing. Analyze results.
- Support product developers in coordinating sensory evaluations including gathering samples for evaluation, sample preparation, documentation and analysis of results. Work closely with PLP Project team to develop commodity products from concept ideation to product launch.
- Create and update product manufacturing instructions (SOP’s), submit for required approvals and distribute to the appropriate team members.
- Complete required documentation & specifications for customers and suppliers
- Maintain cleanliness and inventory in the test kitchen ie. Ordering ingredients, sensory supplies, small processing equipment etc.
- Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with internal departments, co-packers, equipment and ingredient suppliers.
- Organize projects and prioritize tasks according to critical timelines and deadlines.
- Policies, Processes & Procedures
- Adhere/comply with company policies and procedures.
- Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.

**Knowledge, Skills and Experience**:

- Minimum 2 years of experience in the food industry, preferably product development
- Organized and effective multi-tasker. Manage copious amounts of information and handled multiple projects in a fast paced environment.
- Able to work under pressure;
- Hands on with the ability to meet critical timelines and deliver results based on project and business needs;
- Self-starter, independent thinker, able to prioritize tasks according to timelines and deadlines.
- Working knowledge of food and meat plant regulatory standards (CFIA, etc.), GMP, HACCP, BRC, food safety, food quality, etc.;
- Working knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), WHMIS;
- Analytical, with problem-identification and problem-solving capabilities;
- Good knowledge of computer software (e.g. MS Office (Excel, Word), pdf, Sharepoint).

**Education & Certification requirements**:

- Post Secondary Diploma or Degree in Food Science/Food Technology, or Engineering (B.SC; B.Eng) or related discipline required.

**Competencies**:

- **
Building Trust** **- **Builds strong relationships on a foundation of trust, loyalty and authenticity.
- ** Driving for Results -** Relentlessly pursues quantifiable and measurable results: identifies areas for improvement and executes changes as necessary.
- ** Communication & Listening -** Encourages open and honest communication with the team, communicates messages clearly and concisely and listens attentively to others.
- ** Initiative -** Proactively seeks new opportunities and challenges; takes ownership and accountability for enhancing results or minimizing problems.
- ** Builds Networks -** Builds strong relationships with peers, partners and key stakeholders, cultivating meaningful connections.
- ** Awareness & Insight -** Assesses one’s own abilities, understands how actions impact perceptions and thrives within our culture, climate and organization at all levels.

**Working Conditions**:

- Office based
- Manufacturing facility with various temperatures
- Travel may be required

**Accessibility Statement**:
In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants are required to make their needs known in advance.

**REQUIREMENTS**:
In the 1830s, the May family began raising chickens on a farm outside what is now Brampton, Ontario. They became a pillar of the community, and their proud tradition of hard work, agricultural wisdom, and humble family values inspire and guide us to this day.