Food Product Developer: Value Engineering & Optimization

Lock Search Group; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lock Search Group in Ottawa is seeking a Food Product Developer focused on Value Engineering to optimize existing products and support new development. You will work with Product Development, Category Management, Procurement and Operations to deliver cost savings while preserving nutrition and taste.

The role requires post-secondary education in a food-related subject and experience in food product development, with strong analytical and collaborative skills to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a food-related subject or equivalent.
• Experience in food product development or related commercial food environment.
• Experience managing projects with measurable outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Innovative, organized, adaptable with good communication and team work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support value engineering projects to reduce cost while maintaining product quality and nutrition.
• Analyze recipes, yields, portions, and manufacturing processes to identify savings.
• Evaluate alternative ingredients and suppliers for best cost/quality balance.
• Partner with Procurement to source cost-effective ingredients.
• Identify ingredients to rationalize across the range.
• Conduct kitchen bench samples and product evaluations to validate changes.
• Improve existing products through recipe optimization and process improvements.
• Ensure cost reductions do not negatively impact taste, texture, or customer experience.
• Investigate product quality issues and drive corrective actions.
• Support manufacturing efficiency initiatives to reduce waste and improve yields.
• Document trials, costs, and outcomes clearly.
• Manage multiple projects with timelines and objectives.
• Support the broader Product Development team as required.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Culinary skills

Communication

Teamwork

Stakeholder management

Education

Post-secondary education in food-related subject

Job description

Lock Search Group in Ottawa is seeking a Food Product Developer focused on Value Engineering to optimize existing products and support new development. You will work with Product Development, Category Management, Procurement and Operations to deliver cost savings while preserving nutrition and taste.

The role requires post-secondary education in a food-related subject and experience in food product development, with strong analytical and collaborative skills to drive continuous improvement.