Product Development Specialist

Nestlé S.A.; Michigan; On-site; USD 81,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Healthcare coverage

Competitive total rewards

Job summary

Nestlé USA is seeking a Product Development Specialist within the Technical Applications Group to support Healthy Snacks. You will lead from concept to commercialization, drive optimization, and ensure compliance across factories.

Responsibilities include partnering with Nestlé experts, overseeing cost and quality improvements, and transferring knowledge to production sites. Travel about 25% within North America is required.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years in product development in the CPG industry.
• Experience baking, extrusion, and low-moisture food tech is preferred.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development from concept to commercialization for Nestlé products.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives across manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with Nestlé standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical support to factories and co-manufacturers.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

BS or MS in Food Science/Engineering/Related field

Tools

SAP

Recipe Management

PLM systems

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Teams

Job description

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal - to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity - and responsibility - to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk‑taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary:

The Product Development Specialist within the Technical Applications Group at Nestlé Nutrition will support the Healthy Snacks category, encompassing products for infants, toddlers, and older children. This role will act as the technical lead to identify solutions, deliver innovation and renovation agenda, and drive optimization and improvement projects managing for cost, quality and compliance. Additionally, they will represent the Technical Applications Group as the subject matter expert, ensuring effective knowledge transfer to the factories.

Responsibilities:

• Implementation of Innovation & Renovation Strategy for the Supported Product Categories in the Market
  • Lead product development activities from concept to commercialization to introduce new products and processes within factories, ensuring safety, stability, and legality.
  • Act as the technical lead and apply leadership, coaching and influencing skills to steer the project on-time, on-budget, meeting key success criteria and consumer desire.
  • Partner with global experts within Nestlé to leverage innovative capabilities and drive product superiority.
• Drive Continuous Improvement of Existing Products/Processes Enabling Local Business Need and Supply Demands:
  • Lead technical projects utilizing product development expertise across manufacturing operations, raw material sourcing, quality improvements, cost savings, and compliance. Take ownership and lead those initiatives with good project management practices.
  • Drive quality initiatives using Nestlé systems for ingredient qualification, supplier onboarding, technical acceptance, and regulatory compliance. Lead recipe optimizations to enhance manufacturability while ensuring compliance.
  • Apply problem‑solving skills and scientific knowledge to unlock operational excellence.
• Ensure Adherence to All Product, Process and Material Standards
  • Lead the onboarding, evaluation, and qualification of raw materials and suppliers including assessment for allergens and claims.
  • Identify, influence, and lead the development of the product and process standards in compliance with Nestlé requirements, external regulations and industry benchmarks.
• Provide First Line of Support to Factories & Co‑Manufacturing partners:
  • Provide subject matter expertise, especiallyin the areas of ingredient, recipe and processing to ensure consistent production of high‑quality products.
• Continuous Improvement of Technical Skills and Personal Development
  • Define, develop, and coach the competencies and training materials required for product/process mastership to enable manufacturing excellence.
  • Acts as an ambassador for TAG when representing globally or externally.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in product development within the CPG industry.
• Preferred experience in baking, extrusion, and other low moisture food technologies.
• Strong understanding of project management with the ability to lead project teams.

Required Skills:

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑performing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments.
• Strong communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral, and written.
• Highly motivated, critical thinker, goal‑oriented, and adaptable to change.
• Consumer‑centric growth mindset and creative problem‑solving abilities.
• Computer Skills: SAP, Recipe Management and PLM systems, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams.
• Travel Requirement: Approximately 25%, primarily within North America.

Salary: $81,375.30 to $106,190 per year

Bonus Eligibility: 7%

Thepay rangeprovided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.

Nestlé offers performance‑based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at [e-mail] or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.