Product Development Project Coordinator

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods - Richmond, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Richmond, VA

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Product Development Project Coordinator at Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is responsible for supporting and documenting product development projects within the company's Kitchen and Bakery. This role involves collaboration with various departments to ensure the successful launch of new products and process changes, while maintaining the quality and safety standards of the food produced. The coordinator will engage in data analysis, coordinate production runs, and assist in training associates, all while fostering a culture of safety and compliance with food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supports product development projects by capturing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Provides recommendations to ensure the success of projects.
• Participates in product development cuttings and investigates customer complaints.
• Coordinates production runs and trains associates on the production line.
• Engages in the development process and communicates with cross-functional teams.
• Attends cross-functional meetings at key phases of development or maintenance projects.
• Coordinates shelf-life evaluations for new and existing products.
• Assists with evaluating new and substitute raw materials.
• Tracks and updates seasonal designs of bakery products internally and on customer-facing kiosks.
• Coordinates samples for the sales team by working with order center or production teams.
• Gathers and enters product information and photos into retail customer systems.
• Supports the marketing team by coordinating eCommerce pictures and uploads.
• Captures data points to support annual regulatory and recipe verification.
• Assists in maintaining the food labeling database and proprietary software systems.
• Balances multiple projects while remaining organized and detail-oriented.
• Works independently and as part of a team.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• A.S. or B.S. in Food Science, Chemistry, Culinary, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years in food product development or related work experience is preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and advanced proficiency in Excel is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Culinary experience
• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related field
• Experience in food product development

Benefits

• Affordable healthcare upon eligibility
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Company 401(K) upon eligibility
• Paid Time Off
• Birthday PTO
• Associate Referral Bonus
• Shift Differential on eligible shifts
• Competitive Salary