Come join a growing team! FOODMatch is searching for a Product Development Project Coordinator to join our Sourcing team.
FOODMatch is a producer and importer of Mediterranean specialty foods with a focus on olives, antipasti, and ingredients. Founded in 1996, FOODMatch is a producer and importer of Mediterranean specialty foods with distinct expertise in traditionally and responsibly crafted olives, antipasti, spreads, sauces, and ingredients. FOODMatch plays an integral role in ensuring the quality of our products. The FOODMatch difference begins in the fields and groves. We are vertically integrated with our partners to ensure that each step along the production chain is completed to meticulous standards: from irrigation and pruning, to harvesting, sorting and stuffing by hand, to expertly curing and preserving, we ensure each ingredient delivers its natural flavor, color, and texture. Simply put, no detail is spared.
Through the hands of our growers we create great tasting, responsibly produced, authentic foods that nurture community and enhance your quality of life.
Summary
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 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
- Participate in 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
Qualifications
- Professional experience in Food Product Development & Project Management preferred
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science preferred
- Experience in Culinary Arts is a plus
- Basic understanding of FDA and Food Safety Modernization Act, FSVP Certified preferred
- Proficient at Microsoft Excel, Office, Outlook, SharePoint, Adobe, and Navision
- Basic Knowledge of Quality Control, Cost Models, Label Compliance, Purchasing
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing business priorities and effectively meet deadlines
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
- Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and time management skills
- 3-5 years of experience is preferred
Skills
- Ability to collaborate with Key Stakeholders – Vendors, Customers, and Sales to determine project requirements and design tailored products
- Cross-functional team player
- Knowledge of food pairings, recipe development, and culinary trends is a plus
- Confident in ability to learn new computer programs
- Solid understanding of other cultures
Additional information
Location/Travel Requirements
- This role is a hybrid role (3x in office/2x days remote) based out of the New York office.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
- All FOODMatch employees are required to be fully vaccinated. Employees must show proof of full vaccination at the time of hire.
FOODMatch offers a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation based on experience. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Compensation package:
- Bonus opportunities
- Profit sharing
- Yearly bonus
Experience level:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- How many years of food industry experience do you have?
Ability to Commute:
- New York, NY 10018 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10018