Food Product Development Technician

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The **Food Product Development Technician (Culinary Application)** is a vital member of the Product Development team, supporting the creation and improvement of food products. Reporting to the **Director of R&D**, the Technician will be responsible for assisting with product development tasks, maintaining the test kitchen, preparing samples for customer presentations, managing ingredient inventory, managing the sample request process, and conducting product evaluations. This role also involves supporting documentation and ensuring that products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.

**REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & REPORTS**:
This position reports directly to the **Director of R&D**.

**ORGANIZATION**:
Freshstone Brands Inc. (“FBI”) is a premier manufacturer of high-quality prepared food products that services the retail, foodservice, and co-manufacturing channels. The Company’s products include branded and private label entrees, salads, sides, appetizers, hand-held foods, and other prepared foods. FBI supplies fresh and some frozen items to major Canadian retailers for sale “behind the glass” or in packaged formats in the perimeter of the store, as well as to well-known foodservice customers, and some major branded food businesses under contract.

FBI manufactures its products in 6 manufacturing plants which are SQF Level 3 certified strategically located across Canada, giving FBI critical mass, and geographic proximity to the US market.

With its own brands, FBI services all the major Grocery, Mass, Club and Food Service customers in Canada either directly or through distributor and broker relationships. Additionally, FBI has co-developed and launched a variety of “own-label” and private label programs with a wide range of blue-chip, recognized retailers and food service companies across North America.

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**:

- Assist in the development of new food products, formulations, and recipes to meet customer and market needs.
- Manage the sample request process, keeping track of all sample requests and documenting sample codes and names.
- Prepare samples for customer presentations and internal evaluations.
- Support the improvement of existing products to enhance quality, shelf life, and production efficiency.
- Document formulation changes, product specifications, and test results as part of the product development process.
- Perform basic analysis and data reporting for internal use and customer presentations.

**EDUCATION & PREREQUISITES**
- Diploma or degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Culinary Arts, or a related field.
- Culinary experience or training is an asset.
- 1-3 years of experience in food product development or food manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of food processing and manufacturing environments.

**KEY COMPETENCIES**:

- Basic knowledge of food science and regulatory standards.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain detailed documentation.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Proficient in preparing samples and working with laboratory and kitchen equipment.
- Effective communication skills for working with team members and external partners.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and proactive in problem-solving.
- Basic knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and nutritional analysis software is an asset.

**WORK ENVIRONMENT**
- Office and test kitchen setting, with some time spent in production areas.
- Ability to stand for extended periods while working in the kitchen or production areas.
- Moderate lifting of ingredients and equipment, up to 35 lbs.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

**Experience**:

- Product Development: 1 year (required)
- Food Manufacturing: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person