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Food Product Development Assistant Jobs in Michigan

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In this role, you will assist with plant propagation, transplanting, spacing, labeling, shipping ... You will work closely with fellow Product Development team members to support research initiatives ...

Be Seen First

In this role, you will assist with plant propagation, transplanting, spacing, labeling, shipping ... You will work closely with fellow Product Development team members to support research initiatives ...

Be Seen First

In this role, you will assist with plant propagation, transplanting, spacing, labeling, shipping ... You will work closely with fellow Product Development team members to support research initiatives ...

Be Seen First

In this role, you will assist with plant propagation, transplanting, spacing, labeling, shipping ... You will work closely with fellow Product Development team members to support research initiatives ...

Supplier Assessment: Assist in the technical assessment of suppliers. * Quality Compliance: Ensure ... Product Development Engineering experience in the automotive industry, including product launch.

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Food Product Development Assistant information

What does a Food Product Development Assistant do?

A Food Product Development Assistant supports the creation and improvement of food products by assisting with formulation, testing recipes, conducting sensory evaluations, and collecting data on product performance. They often work closely with food scientists and technologists to help bring new products from concept to market. Their responsibilities may also include sourcing ingredients, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring products comply with safety and quality standards. This role is essential for innovation in the food industry and requires attention to detail, creativity, and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Product Development Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Product Development Assistant, you need a background in food science or a related field, along with knowledge of food safety standards and basic laboratory techniques. Familiarity with product formulation software, sensory analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure the successful development of innovative, safe, and market-ready food products.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Product Development Assistants when working on new product formulations?

Food Product Development Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, texture, and nutritional requirements while adhering to cost constraints and regulatory guidelines. They must also manage tight project timelines, coordinate with cross-functional teams like marketing and quality assurance, and adapt formulations to accommodate ingredient availability or supply chain disruptions. Staying organized and open to feedback is crucial for successfully navigating these complexities and ensuring the final product meets both company standards and consumer expectations.

What is the difference between Food Product Development Assistant vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectFood Product Development AssistantFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsTypically an associate degree or related certificationOften requires a degree in food science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, product testing facilitiesQuality control labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageInvolved in creating and improving productsEnsures products meet safety and quality standards

The Food Product Development Assistant focuses on developing new food products and improving existing ones, working closely with R&D teams. In contrast, the Food Quality Assurance Technician concentrates on testing and maintaining product safety and quality during production. Both roles require related certifications and often work within the same industry environments, but their primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Development jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Food Product Development jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Food Product Development Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Food Product Development Assistant job openings:

Product Development Specialist - Contract

National Food Group

Novi, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Product Development Specialist
Department: Product Development
Reports To: Product Development Director
Employment Type: Contract
Job Summary
National Food Group is seeking an innovative and driven Product Development Specialist to join our Product Development team in a temporary role, with the potential to transition into a full-time position based on performance and business needs.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands-on role in developing and launching food products that serve K-12 students across the country. Working closely with manufacturing partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you will help bring new product ideas to life while supporting the continuous improvement of our existing portfolio.
The ideal candidate is passionate about food innovation, curious about consumer and market trends, and energized by turning insights into commercially successful products. You'll leverage industry research, customer feedback, and market data to identify growth opportunities and support the development of products that meet the evolving needs of school nutrition programs.
Success in this role requires strong collaboration skills, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate the technical and operational challenges of product commercialization across multiple manufacturing environments. If you enjoy solving problems, building relationships, and making a meaningful impact through food innovation, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support growth and innovation initiatives for Zee Zees product lines.
  • Partner with manufacturers on formula and flavor development activities, including benchtop sample creation.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute plant trials with manufacturing partners to support product and process commercialization and continuous improvement.
  • Support technical aspects of new product development projects and line extensions.
  • Assist in identifying ingredients, suppliers, and manufacturing partners that support innovation and product growth.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to accelerate speed-to-market.
  • Validate product claims and ensure K12 nutrition regulations are met with cross functional team guidance.
  • Update and maintain existing products to accommodate label changes, regulatory updates, and business requirements.
  • Assist in managing the product lifecycle from concept development through commercialization.
Qualifications
Education amp; Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dietetics, or a related field with demonstrated experience supporting product scale-up, plant trials, and commercialization activities.
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in food product development.
  • Hands-on experience working with food manufacturers and/or co-manufacturing partners, including plant trials, scale-up activities, and commercialization support.
  • Experience developing retail and/or foodservice products from concept through commercialization.
  • Experience troubleshooting formulation, processing, or manufacturing challenges during product development and commercialization.
Skills amp; Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects and collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Effective conflict resolution and relationship management skills.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
What We're Looking For
  • A creative thinker who can identify emerging trends and uncover opportunities for innovation.
  • Someone who is open to learning, coaching, and continuous professional growth.
  • A self-starter with a strong work ethic and a results-driven mindset.
  • An individual who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and embraces change.
We love when our team members are happy and healthy! At National Food Group, you'll have the following benefits and perks:
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision care insurance
  • Group life amp; voluntary life insurance
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Flexible savings plan
  • Short-term amp; long-term disability
  • PTO amp; PTO buy up
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Wellness reimbursement
Our office work environment:
Works in a temperature-controlled office environment.
This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made to fulfill these requirements.
The above statements generally describe the principal and essential functions of the job but should not be construed as a detailed description of all essential functions that may be inherent in the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity
National Food Group is an equal opportunity employer.
*Please also include your salary requirements when submitting your resume.