Lead Product Developer, K-12 School Meals

National Food Group; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) savings plan

Flexible spending account

PTO & PTO buy up

Disability insurance

Wellness reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement

Vision Care Insurance

Job summary

National Food Group is seeking an innovative and driven Product Development Specialist to join our Product Development team in Novi, MI. You will own the development and launch of food products for K-12 programs, leading line extensions from concept through commercialization with manufacturing partners.

The ideal candidate brings a Bachelor's in Food Science or related field and 3–5 years of experience, plus hands-on work with co-manufacturers and product testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dietetics, or a related field is required.
• 3–5 years of experience in food product development preferred.
• Hands-on experience with food manufacturers and/or co-manufacturing partners.
• Experience leading products from concept to commercialization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned line extensions and selected new products from concept through commercialization and post-launch follow-up.
• Lead formula and flavor development with manufacturing partners, including benchtop sampling and sensory evaluation.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead plant trials and scale-up with manufacturing partners.
• Serve as the product development resource for the Food Distribution business, including product evaluations and costing.
• Identify and evaluate ingredients and suppliers, recommending reformulation opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Dietetics or related field

Tools

Co-manufacturing partners

Job description

National Food Group is seeking an innovative and driven Product Development Specialist to join our Product Development team in Novi, MI. You will own the development and launch of food products for K-12 programs, leading line extensions from concept through commercialization with manufacturing partners.

The ideal candidate brings a Bachelor's in Food Science or related field and 3–5 years of experience, plus hands-on work with co-manufacturers and product testing.