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Food Product Development Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Buck Mason

Product Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$71K - $79K/yr

Product Development Associate role will work to support the Product Development Team in managing ... Responsible for launching and tracking new developments from design to vendors. * Assist with and ...

Clare V

Product Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Organize internal wear testing and assist with analyzing feedback to improve product performance * Support seasonal sample tracking and maintain development calendars and milestone deadlines Sourcing ...

Buck Mason

Product Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA

$71K - $79K/yr

Product Development Associate role will work to support the Product Development Team in managing ... Responsible for launching and tracking new developments from design to vendors. * Assist with and ...

Buck Mason

Product Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA

$71K - $79K/yr

Product Development Associate role will work to support the Product Development Team in managing ... Responsible for launching and tracking new developments from design to vendors. * Assist with and ...

Clare V.

Product Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Organize internal wear testing and assist with analyzing feedback to improve product performance * Support seasonal sample tracking and maintain development calendars and milestone deadlines Sourcing ...

Kalan LP

Product Development Associate

Lansdowne, PA · Hybrid

$20 - $25.75/hr

About the Role As a Product Development Associate, you'll be in the middle of everything, helping turn ideas into real products on shelves. You will work closely with our Director of Product ...

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How much do food product development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for food product development assistant in the United States is $24.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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Food Product Development Assistant jobs near you
Product Development - Food / CPG / Manufacturing

Product Development - Food / CPG / Manufacturing

Nassau Candy

Hicksville, NY • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Nassau Candy rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 391 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Product Development Manager

On site – Hicksville, NY

Who We Are:

Nassau Candy is a leading manufacturer and distributor in the confectionery, gourmet food, and private-label industries. With decades of expertise, we provide high-quality products to retailers across the nation. Our expansive portfolio includes a variety of confections, specialty foods, and customized solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.

What We Stand For and Where You'll Come In:

Nassau Candy is seeking a creative and well-rounded manager for their Product Development team. This team member will be responsible for strategic category planning for their line of business and development and executions of new products. Responsible for all aspects of product construction and can create thoughtful and accurate costing models.

Core Values That Drive Us

  • One Team: Collaboration and alignment across all departments.
  • Innovation & Adaptability: We welcome change and act proactively.
  • Customer-Centric: Our customers’ growth is our growth.
  • Execution with Excellence: We focus on impact and results.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: We act on insights and validate our approach.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Critical skills for success include leadership and accountability, critical thinking, sound financial acumen, multi-tasking, problem solving, time management, and strong communication / follow-up skills. Must thrive in a very fast-paced environment and possess a quick learning curve.

**THIS IS NOT A DEVELOPER / TECH ROLE**

Primary functions of this role, include but are not limited to:

Product Development:

  • Develop new everyday and seasonal food items for private label customers
  • Own and manage entire product development process from new item concept through to first production run
  • Provide leadership and foster effective cross-functional team collaboration (R&D, Packaging, Purchasing, Production, and Creative) to launch products successfully and on time
  • Lead customer pricing process of new items; work with Production and suppliers to ensure costs and assumptions are accurately captured in pricing models (see more below)
  • Work closely with Sales team to partner on development of new products as requested by key customers and manage process to create samples and pricing
  • Partner with Marketing to provide clear direction of look and feel for new items as well as positioning in sales collateral and e-commerce

Product Costing:

  • Oversee costing models for all product development customer inquiries including manufacturing, labor, raw materials, packaging, and transportation
  • Analyze product formulas to determine loss and yield and update often to ensure accurate costing.
  • Collaborate with production team to verify labor output and confirm all costs are accurate and reflected in costing models
  • Ensure concerns and challenges around product development and costs are addressed throughout the process
  • Deliver pricing recommendation which meets company and customer profit margin benchmarks, while ensuring a competitive retail price to the consumer

Category Management:

  • Analyze and understand category statistics and business implications
  • Identify competitive white space and new product opportunities
  • Develop strategic plans and recommendations for product line execution

Efficiencies:

  • Identify and implement process improvement opportunities
  • Perform ongoing analysis of costing model to maintain accurate costs and customer pricing
  • Monitor and manage on-time responses to customers’ RFQs

Development:

  • Potential to manage direct reports
  • Provide mentorship of junior associates to develop skill set and confidence in approach to product management and costing

We’re Excited About You Because You...

  • Have a Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or finance; expertise in consumer product development; food experience is ideal.
  • Possess thorough knowledge of financial costing, and in-depth knowledge of product construction and manufacturing
  • Have 6+ years in product development in food, R&D, or manufacturing.
  • Can successfully lead cross-functional teams and see projects through.
  • Blend creativity and analytical thinking.
  • Are passionate about and have a strong pulse on food trends and consumer preferences.
  • Have strong Excel & Microsoft Office skills

Office Guidelines

This is an in-office role based at our headquarters in Hicksville, NY. We thrive on face-to-face collaboration and believe it enhances problem-solving, creativity, and connection.

Ready to Join Us?

Be part of a company where your ideas matter, your impact is visible, and your passion drives success. Apply now to help shape the future of innovation at Nassau Candy.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer





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