Product Development Project Coordinator (Food Industry)

Job Description
As a Product Development Project Coordinator at FOODMatch, your role is pivotal in shaping our unique Mediterranean product line. Your responsibilities include new recipe creation, supplier engagement, and managing development projects from concept to full-scale production. Will work cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, and Regulatory Team on a frequent basis.
Essential Functions
Project Management
Investigate and collect information on Retail, Private Label, and Club Store projects from customer request through full scale production
Assist in the development and renovation of products and formulas requested by Corporate Sales, Upper Management, Customers, and Company Ideation Sessions
Engage existing suppliers or identify and qualify new manufacturers and suppliers of food products and ingredients for current and new FOODMatch products.
Assist with project launches by executing processes for various cross-functional departments including Quality, Finance, Marketing, Purchasing, and Sales; Develop operating procedures utilized by cross-functional teams to streamline internal processes
Generate and implement product launch timelines for Internal Teams and Customers to ensure milestones and required deadlines are met effectively for market launch execution
Track and organize new product samples, database and reference document maintenance; Ensure all relevant project information is up to date to achieve and streamline projects
Assist departmental vendor scheduling and planning of approved product deliverables needed to gain market placements at Industry Trade Shows
New Product Development
Assist with innovation projects from concept through full scale production
Research and develop innovative product concepts for new business opportunities, adding competitive value to the company
Formulate new product recipes and quantify project targets; assist with product prototype development and sensory analysis panels
Instruct, Evaluate, Modify, and Monitor vendor prototype development of proposed new products for Internal and Customer approval; Ensure new products meet premium brand standards
Source, Test, and Validate new materials and processes needed in customized product creation
Lead inter-departmental project status meetings for Product Development, Product Evaluation, and Private Label teams
Conduct and evaluate data analysis including product cost model evaluations, transition and contingency strategies, market research, and annual quantitative reports; Oversee market research reporting
Attend Food Shows and Industry Seminars to conduct research on market trends and prospective vendors
Assist with Innovation Customer Meetings alongside Sales Directors, providing expertise on development process and pertinent sourcing requirements of new products