Senior Product Development Specialist

Nestlé S.A.; Solon (OH); On-site; USD 93,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Nestlé USA is seeking a Technical Lead to manage highly complex product/packaging/process development projects. You will collaborate with Marketing to translate consumer insights into actionable pipelines and mentor teams across factories.

You'll lead innovation strategies, coordinate with global networks, ensure Nestlé standards, and drive continuous improvement while developing expertise and providing coaching to others.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of product/packaging/process development experience.
• Travel up to 25–50% is expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects across product/packaging/process development.
• Collaborate with Marketing to translate consumer insights into project pipelines.
• Provide coaching and knowledge transfer to factories.
• Ensure compliance with Nestlé standards and drive improvements.

Skills

Fast-paced work

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Engineering/Packaging/related

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Project

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:

Technical lead on highly complex projects to identify solutions, deliver innovation and renovation portfolio, and optimization/improvement projects. Partner with Marketing to leverage and translate consumer insight into project pipelines. Represent Technical Application Group as subject matter expert for product/packaging/process to transfer knowledge to the factories. Train and coach to contribute to the success of the Technical Application Group. Collaborate internally and externally to build relationships in order to continuously improve technical skills and personal development, including coaching others to facilitate their professional development.

Implementation of Innovation & Renovation strategy for the supported product categories in the market. Liaise & leverage industry and global Nestle Network (e.g. R&D & Procurement) insights to develop, implement, and execute creative product/packaging/process development activities (e.g. mockup, bench top, pilot plant, distribution testing, and internal/external factory testing) to achieve project goals and deadlines to delight the consumer & customer.

Introduction of new product, packaging, and processes within factories and external manufacturers. Collaborate and influence internal and external project teams (Teams are made up of PTC, Product Developers, Project Managers, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Packaging, Factories, Marketing, Co-Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Supply Chain, etc.) to develop, industrialize, and launch on a complex range of Innovation and Renovation projects.

Continuously improve/optimize current product, packaging, and processes within factories and external manufacturers according to local business needs and supply situation and/or implementation of initiatives. Lead technical projects including technical assistance, sourcing, quality improvements, compliance, and productivity cost savings. This includes establishing and managing timelines, uncovering roadblocks, defining critical paths, and identifying resource constraints.

Ensure adherence to all product/packaging/process standards. Comply with Nestlé requirements (includes Nutritional requirements, Sustainability, Packaging Safety), external standards, and local regulatory framework. Identify, influence, and lead the development of market level product/packaging/process standards within the Nestlé systems.

Continuous improvement of technical skills and personal development, while being a proactive affiliate member of a Nestlé Expert Network and/or external networks. Provide coaching & mentorship to others to facilitate personal professional development.

Develop expertise for product/packaging/process mastership within TAG. Define, develop, and coach the competencies and training materials required for product/packaging/process mastership to enable manufacturing excellence. Provide guidance and input to Operations for Standard Operating Procedures.

Provide first line support to factories.

Provide knowledge transfer related to product/packaging/process mastership to eliminate the root cause of assistance requests.

Act as the coaching and training resource for product/packaging/process mastership.

REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM EDUCATION LEVEL:

• A Bachelor's Degree required. Strong preference in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Position requires approximately 25-50% travel.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prefer minimum 5 years of product/packaging/process development experience in CPG or related field of work in factory environment or equivalent supply industry experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to work in a fast paced and high performing environment
• Exceptional organizational skills & ability to manage multiple projects and assignments
• Strong communication skills: interpersonal, presentation, oral and written
• Highly motivated, critical thinker, goal oriented and easily adapts to change
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office applications: Exc el, Power Point, Word, Project

Salary:$93,337.20 to$127,152.00 per year

Bonus Eligibility:Yes

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.