Joining King’s Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a
family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while
thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and
the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity
as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore
innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about
supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their
families. If you’re excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!
At KING’S HAWAIIAN® we create unique and irresistible foods that people love
beyond reason. We are not in the business of copying mainstream products or
pursuing short-term trends. Our goal is to create new, long-term value to market
with consumer-led innovation ideas. This role will report to the Manager,
Product Development and be a part of a multi-disciplinary Innovation &
Commercialization team with a start-up type culture. With a team of Food
Scientists and other Product Developers, this individual will partner with
experienced chefs to create new products and recipes for commercialization,
while also working with Process and Packaging Engineers, Marketing Insights, and
Production to produce these new products.
Who Are You?
The Product Developer is an idealist, researcher, designer, and builder. Your
imagination and problem solving combines new ingredients and flavors, alters
methods and processes, and crafts new products that have never been tasted
before. Your creations tell stories and create moments of irresistibility for
people.
The following characteristics describe you perfectly:
1. Curious – you break boundaries and do not settle for the status quo. You have
an instinctive desire to always dig deeper. Your curiosity leads you to think
differently and try new things.
2. Persistent – you do not settle for mediocracy and have an unmatched
determination to solve your complex problems. You always strive for perfection
and cannot rest until you’ve carried out your mission.
3. Courageous and Agile– you like to jump and take risks! You recognize that the
future cannot be shaped without taking leaps forward. You trust your beliefs and
see every failure as an opportunity.
4. Self-starter and Proactive– the world of innovation and ambiguity does not
scare you. You know how to self-manage. You are a leader and initiator. You do
not wait around for someone else to step up.
5. Foodie and a Scientist – you LOVE food. Food is one of your passions in life.
You love to try new foods, experience cuisines from different cultures, and
gather with others to break bread. You also love science and are an expert food
scientist with passion for new technologies in the food industry.
6. Collaborator- You are willing to find solutions by trusting others and get
energized while working in a team environment. You are not afraid to take
responsibility for the mistakes and don’t hesitate to give credit to other
contributors. You are an active listener!
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Participate in the identification, design, development, creation, and testing
of product prototypes.
* Collaborate with chefs and third parties to create recipes with the ability
to scale up for both limited introductions as well as national product
launches.
* Assist with developing rapid prototypes to explore with consumers in real
purchase and consumption environments.
* Assist with developing specifications for all raw materials, process
controls, and finished goods.
* Manage scale up trials of products and work closely with Production leaders
to train on process.
* Work closely with King’s ingredient and packaging suppliers on the technical
characteristics of King’s materials and troubleshoot ingredient performance.
* Participate in testing and ensuring food concepts are shelf stable and food
safe. Work with 3rd party labs to test and analyze products.
* Develop and maintain FDA and USDA food product labeling that complies with
regulatory requirements and/or customer requirements. Produce product
specification sheets.
* Manage several projects simultaneously.
* Creatively solve technical problems in a rapid, efficient manner.
* Assist in pipeline prioritization and technical assessment of future
innovation projects & ideas.
* Collaborate with Concept Developer Chefs, Marketing, Innovation Insights, R&D
Process Engineers, Operations, Procurement, and Packaging Engineers in the
Innovation product development process.
* Deliver accurate product trial details and collaborate with the Innovation
Project Lead to guarantee accurate and on-time set up of factory trials.
* Ensure accurate and timely reporting of product development activities to key
stakeholders.
* Collaborate and team up with third party manufacturing facilities to scale up
and test products for commercialization.
* Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the
scope of this role.
BASIC QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE)
* Bachelor’s degree in food science, Food Technology, or a closely related
field from an accredited 4-year college. Higher education (e.g., Master of
Science) in Food Science, Food Technology or a closely related field is
preferred.
* 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in R&D and new product
development
* Knowledge and experience in baking and cereal sciences (2+ years).
PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS
* Ability to lift 50 lbs
* Ability to stand 2-3 hours
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION (JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE)
* Understanding of the process and methods for developing and commercializing
shelf-stable foods.
* Knowledge and understanding of baking and cereal science.
* Understanding of physical properties and chemical composition of food and
ingredients.
* Understanding of extensive areas of food science and technology and
experimental procedures
* Proficient ability to work with culinary or corporate chefs.
* Working understanding of different methods of packaging (retort, aseptic,
UHT, Hot/Cold Pasteurization, MAP)
* Working understanding of Project management – plan, coordinate, communicate
progress and challenges, execute project activities.
* Proficient ability to work with third party manufacturers (co-manufacturers,
co-packers) in developing products.
* Expert ability to muti-task and contribute to many projects at the same time.
* Ability to seek and be open to new experiences with different food from other
cultures and enjoy foods in a different way. Does not settle with mediocre
products.
* Ability to consistently demonstrate King’s values of excellence, dignity,
saying it like it is in a way it can be heard; and curiosity, collaboration,
critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
* Ability to travel up to 10%.
This is an on-site role 5 days a week.
The compensation range is $110,000 to $130,000 plus a potential bonus. The final
offer will ultimately depend on several factors.
King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are
committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.