R&D Tech

Company Overview

ATX Specialty Foods is a fast-growing, premier producer of high-quality dips and sauces. We serve a diversified portfolio of retail branded, foodservice, and private label offerings. Our team partners with exceptional food companies to deliver full-service operational solutions. We believe great food stems from passion, premium ingredients, and great people.

Reporting to: R&D Manager

Position Summary

The Product Development Associate supports the Manager of Product Development in creating innovative, market-driven products within the sauce industry. This role is responsible for executing benchtop samples, sourcing ingredients, developing and refining prototypes, and ensuring all products meet regulatory and quality standards. The associate collaborates across R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams, conducts market research to inform product concepts, and manages project timelines to meet development milestones. The position combines technical formulation, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and cross-functional coordination to deliver products that satisfy customer needs and drive business growth. The primary goal of this role is to assist the Manager of Product Development with developing products that not only meet customer needs but also contribute to the overall success and growth of the business.

Core Responsibilities

Benchtop Rendering

• Execute the day-to-day demands of benchtop samples of products for approval.
• Source secondary and tertiary supplier ingredients for bench formulas to be reviewed by the Product Development team.
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Prototype Development:

• Recreate product prototypes, working closely with Director of Product Development to ensure alignment with concept and regulatory requirements.
• Iterate and refine prototypes based on internal and external feedback.
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Product Conceptualization:

• Collaborate with R&D team to develop innovative and market-driven product concepts.
• Assist with researching consumer insights and market trends into actionable product ideas.

Product Testing and Analysis:

• Analyze testing results and adjust formulations or product attributes as needed under the guidance of the Director of PD.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay abreast of industry regulations and standards for food products including acid and acidified foods.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Work with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to align product development with overall business goals.
• Communicate effectively across departments to ensure seamless integration of products into the market.
• Work with Operations on product manufacturing processes and product batch analytical adjustments.

Project Management:

• Develop and maintain project timelines, ensuring that all milestones are met on schedule.
• Identify and mitigate potential challenges in the product development process.

Quality Assurance:

• Implement and oversee quality assurance processes to guarantee the production of high-quality dietary supplements.
• Collaborate with quality control teams to address any issues that may arise during manufacturing.

Market Research and Analysis:

• Conduct thorough market research to identify trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape in the sports nutrition / dietary supplement industry.
• Analyze market data to anticipate consumer needs and identify opportunities for product development.

Required Qualifications

• Related degree or certifications in field of food science, organic chemistry, or culinary arts is required.
• 1-3 years of proven experience in product development, particularly in the sauce and condiment area.
• Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality products.

Physical Demands

• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment.
• May involve occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.), standing for short periods, and moving between departments on-site.