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Nestlé · 8 hours ago

Product Development Specialist - Beverage

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Nestlé USA is a leading food company known for its beloved brands like DiGiorno and Coffee mate. They are seeking a Product Development Specialist to lead recipe creation, re-formulation, and manage vendor relationships while driving product development and commercialization efforts across multiple product brands.

CoffeeCosmeticsDairyFood and BeverageWater

No H1B

Responsibilities

Implementation of Innovation & Renovation strategy for the supported product categories in the market. Leverage technical experience to develop, implement, and execute creative product/process development activities (e.g. bench top, pilot plant, and internal/external factory) to achieve project goals and deadlines to delight the consumer

As the Technical Lead: Apply leadership, coaching and influencing skills to steer the project in accordance with Key Success Criteria to deliver the project on time, at or below the COGS target, and in a way that delights the consumer

Formulate the product within our capabilities

Match the product shown in consumer testing (and don’t allow it to be fielded if you don’t have a path to execution)

Do a robust complaint reduction exercise and mitigate the key risks

Ensure the proper controls are in place to match the gold standard every time

Act as the key point of contact TO the factory to ensure proper implementation of the technical solution

Introduction of new products and processes within factories. Collaborate and influence internal and external project teams (Teams are made up of R&D, Product Developers, Project Managers, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Packaging, Factories, Marketing, Co-Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain, etc.) to develop, industrialize, and launch Innovation and Renovation projects

Provide working equipment / product knowledge guidance and support to the Factory / R&D / Engineering resources during the development of new technology and processes

Continuously improve/optimize current products and processes within factories according to local business needs and supply situation and/or implementation of initiatives. Lead technical projects including technical assistance, sourcing, quality improvements, compliance, and productivity cost savings. This includes establishing and managing timelines, uncovering roadblocks, defining critical paths, and identifying resource constraints

Ensure adherence to all products, processes, materials standards. Comply with Nestlé requirements (includes 60/40+), external standards, and local regulatory framework. Identify, influence, and lead the development of the product and process standards within the Nestlé systems

Act as Quality Lead for various projects as assigned. This includes practical application of HACCP/Food Safety fundamentals, new material onboarding, allergen/claims validation and process capability

Continuous improvement of technical skills and personal development, while being a proactive affiliate member of a Nestlé Expert Network and/or external networks. Acts as an ambassador for Nestle USA TAG when representing globally or externally

Develop expertise for product and process mastership within TAG Assist in the development of competencies and training materials required for product/process mastership to enable manufacturing excellence. This includes knowledge and formula expertise in both product and process. Helps to build capability and process mastery within the factory and TAG. Represents TAG in general conversations as a SME on manufacturing finished product

Provide first line support to factories

Especially in the areas of ingredient, recipe and processing to ensure consistent production of high-quality products for the consumer

Qualification

Food ScienceProduct DevelopmentHACCPSAPProject ManagementBusiness AcumenComputer SkillsCommunication SkillsProblem SolvingOrganizational Skills

Required

A BS or MS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Position requires approximately 25% travel

Ability to work in a fast paced and high performing environment with autonomy

Organizational skills & ability to manage multiple projects and assignments, Project Management Skills and Capabilities

Communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral and written, strong networking and stakeholder management skills

Highly motivated, critical thinker, goal oriented and easily adapts to change and manages through ambiguity

Experience/knowledge and practical application of HACCP and Quality/Food Safety Requirements

Problem Solving Skills (Go See Think Do, DMAIC experience)

Business acumen including an understanding of the businesses where project work is occurring

Understanding of the consumer and an ability to focus work with the consumer in mind

Computer Skills: SAP, Recipe Management Systems, Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Power Point, Word, Access, Sharepoint, Teams

Preferred

Prefer minimum 3 years of product or process development experience in CPG or related field

Prefer experience with powder application (spray dry, agglomeration) and/or electrolyte based beverages

Company

Nestlé

Glassdoor4.1

As the world’s largest food and beverage company we are driven by a simple aim: unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come.

Founded in 1866

Vevey, Vaud, CHE

10001+ employees