Product Development Specialist-packaging

Mastronardi Produce pioneered the commercial greenhouse industry in North America, and we’re now the leading greenhouse vegetable company on the continent. Our award-winning, flavorful produce is packed under the SUNSET® brand and is available at leading grocery retailers across North America. Family owned for over 65 years, we pride ourselves on having the most flavorful products and the best people in the industry. We are constantly pushing boundaries to be a leader in fresh produce innovation. We seek individuals that demonstrate our PRIDE values (Passion, Respect, Innovation, Drive, Excellence) to help us fulfill our mission to inspire healthy living through WOW flavor experiences.

Our Kingsville Headquarters is currently seeking a Product Development Specialist to join our Strategic Sourcing team The essential function of this role drives the development of new products and packaging that will keep Mastronardi Produce/SUNSET on the leading edge of product innovation, ensuring an interesting and consumer-friendly range of products for our customers and consumers. Will need packaging and product knowledge, as well as strong project management capabilities and a collaborative working style.

**Values**:
To perform the job successfully, the incumbent’s behavior must be consistent with the PRIDE values expected of all Mastronardi Produce employees: be Passionate; have Respect; be Innovative; be Driven and strive for Excellence.

**Primary Responsibilities**:

- Will collaboratively oversee and manage complete packaging development process, including the creation of packaging designs, prototype development, and performance testing.
- Lead and support Quality and Regulatory remediation projects.
- Identify, lead and support packaging cost reduction or process improvements opportunities.
- Liaise with engineering, operations and procurement on new packaging equipment identification process; generating user requirement specifications, factory acceptance test and validation of new packaging equipment.
- Support change control process by reviewing, creating, or updating packaging specifications and documentation.
- Provide guidance and assure compliance to packaging Quality and Regulatory standards through frequent interaction with project teams, Mastronardi facilities, and growers.
- Lead continuous improvement projects within the Packaging department.
- Prepare regular progress reports on projects. Travel as required.

**Education/Background Requirements**:

- Undergraduate degree in Marketing or other relevant field preferred
- At least five years of work experience in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in agriculture, manufacturing or production is a plus.

**Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required**
- Strategic and creative functional leader who can effectively activate opportunities in collaboration with a broad cross-functional team.
- Strong team and interpersonal skills, including highly polished written and verbal communication skills.
- Results oriented with strong planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently (self-directed).
- Entrepreneurial attitude with a “can-do” mentality, ability to navigate and work effectively within a rapidly changing and growing environment.
- Highly developed project management skills including formalized methodologies.
- Knowledge of ASTM and ISTA package test standards is required.

**Working Conditions**:

- Normal office environment.
- Must be capable of lifting up to 30 lbs.
- Position requires sitting, standing, walking and bending on a regular basis.
- Must have manual dexterity to perform computer skills.

**_ Please note:_** Mastronardi Produce has accommodation processes and policies in place and provides accommodation for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or documented medical need, please contact the Human Resource office so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate accommodation to be put into place before you begin your employment.
- Equal Opportunity Employer_
- This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the _Know Your Rights_ notice from the Department of Labour._