Product Development Technician

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description:

Job Title: Product Development Technician 1

Location: Hy-Vee Fresh Commissary, Ankeny, IA

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Revision Date: 2/2024

General Function:

The Product Development Technician 1 will work as part of the Research and Development team to assist the Product Development Supervisor and Product Development Techs (level 2) in the creation and launching of new food products, maintaining and reformulating existing food products, and providing support and assistance to production and quality control operations.

Reporting Relations:

Accountable and Reports to: Vice President, Commissaries; Technical Director, Compliance and Food Protection, Product Development Supervisor

Core Competencies

• Critical & Creative Problem Solving
• Communication
• Trust and Integrity
• Resilience
• Promotes Safety Culture
• Demonstrates Company Core Values

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with instruction from the Product Development Supervisor and Product Development Technicians (level 2) on bench top sample preparation to assist in the development of new food products, reformulation of existing food products, and qualification of new suppliers through proper formulation and organoleptic evaluation.
• Assist Level 2 Technicians with the execution of plant trials, which includes assisting in process and procedure verification, ingredient verification, label verification, food safety, and product logistics. Perform internal sensory evaluation for new products, ingredients, and packaging.
• Assist Level 2 Technicians with shelf life evaluations of ingredients and finished goods to ensure consistent quality and food safety of products.
• Work to develop, maintain, and distribute product specifications for Hy-Vee Foods products across all manufacturing facilities.
• Maintain record of research and development activities, including but not limited to accurate formulas, procedures, requirements, yield data and production notes.
• Assist procurement in qualification of secondary suppliers/ingredients.
• Provide weekly project status reports to supervisor.
• Assist with ingredient sourcing and auditing to support the qualification of new suppliers.
• Reports to work when scheduled and on time. Adheres to company policies and departmental guidelines.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned Maintain kitchen environment and Research and Development storage areas according to company standards for cleanliness and organization.
• Assist with the maintenance of ingredient records.
• Provide support and assistance to production operations as needed.

Skills and Abilities Required to Perform Job:

• Have the ability to work in a fast paced start-up environment – skilled at planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing simultaneous projects and activities.
• Must be knowledgeable of warehouse distribution, safety program, procedures, laws and regulations, sanitation practices and standards.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail, follow through, and proven administrative skills.
• Ability to read and interpret laws and regulatory guidelines.
• Ability to handle confidential information.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science preferred - Culinary Food Science, Culinology or related; or Research Chefs Association Certification
• 1-2 years experience in food manufacturing and/or product development.
• Experience in scaling from bench top samples to commercialization.
• Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to physically perform light work exerting up to 20-pounds of force occasionally.
• Visual requirements include vision from less than 20-inches to more than 20-feet with or without correction, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
• Must be able to perform the following physical activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.

Working Conditions:

• Duties mostly in an office or lab setting (climate controlled)
• Will be required to work in production or seek supplies in warehouse as needed.
• Frequent deadlines exist while handling multiple tasks.
• Daily contact occurs with employees and office personnel.
• Daily contact with Governmental regulatory agencies including USDA, and FDA.

Equipment Used to Perform Job:

Personal Computer, photo copier, fax machine and office phone system. Occasional use of tools, knives, machinery to help on the production floor.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person