Job description
NovaBite Foods is a leading innovator in the culinary landscape, delivering high-quality, shelf-stable and premium fresh products to consumers nationwide. We are seeking a Senior Food Product Development Specialist to join our Chicago team and accelerate product launches from concept to shelf.
In this role, you will own the end-to-end product development process, collaborate across R&D, QA, operations, and marketing, and ensure products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and consumer delight. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and translate consumer insights into breakthrough formulations and compelling stories.
Our ideal candidate brings a passion for food innovation, a bias for action, and a track record of delivering products that win in the market. We offer a collaborative culture, competitive compensation, and opportunities to shape the next generation of our brand.
Responsibility
- Lead end-to-end product development from concept to launch, including formulation, testing, scale-up, and commercialization.
- Collaborate with R&D, QA, operations, supply chain, and marketing to align on specs, timelines, and budget.
- Develop and maintain product specifications, ingredients lists, allergen management, and shelf-life/stability plans.
- Design and execute sensory evaluations and consumer studies to validate product concepts.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, FSMA and all applicable regulations; maintain robust quality documentation.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships; lead cross-functional teams to meet milestones.
- Analyze data, interpret results, and translate insights into actionable improvements and optimization opportunities.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field; advanced degree is a plus.
- 5+ years of experience in food product development, category management, or QA in food manufacturing or CPG.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and regulatory requirements across markets.
- Proven ability to design and interpret sensory studies and consumer testing.
- Excellent project management, cross-functional leadership, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Minitab) and basic statistical methods; experience with pilot plants or scale-up is a plus.
- Creative problem-solver with a passion for quality, safety, and innovation.