Product Developer

Job Responsibility:

Description

It all started with a cup of tea.

And 15 years later, Steeped Tea - now Sipology - has become North America's prestige tea brand, while remaining the same family business that empowers a talented and diverse community of Sipologists to make their dreams come true every day.

We are proof that a single cup of tea can change your life.

That's where you come in.

As our Product Developer, you will be responsible for the overall Product Development Strategy including analysis of current and upcoming tea and food products and managing launches of newly developed products. You'll be involved in the strategic development of new and innovative products ensuring that Sipology remains at the forefront of market trends in the industry. Compliance with business strategy, company, and regulatory policies and procedures pertaining to product safety and quality are a top priority.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Product Developer will harness a thorough understanding of our direct selling model and position our Sipologists for success. The on-trend products you help to develop will become unique and marketable lines that will engage our consultants - they will be delighted to show them off at their tea parties.

You will use your exceptional collaboration skills with a high-performing Research & Development Team including product developers and technicians, and co-op students. You'll also use your analytical mind to help keep product development competitive, cost effective while supporting sustainability and contributing to the overall goals of the company.

You'll succeed in this role if you are a self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects with a clear, process-driven approach. Being able to exhibit a natural flair and true passion for the innovation of beverage and food products, taking them to the next level in terms of quality are essential traits at Sipology.

Specific Responsibilities Will Include

Strategic Planning

• Develop a Product Development Strategy for beverage and food products that are aligned with the company's goals.
• Identify emerging trends, consumer demands, market opportunities to guide product development projects.
• Maintain Product Development Annual Strategy ensuring flow of new products and product lines for specific times and goals, and present innovative ideas to meet strategic goals.
• Responsible for timely execution and prioritization of projects in Product Development Annual Strategy and meeting deadlines for catalog, website, etc.

Product Development

• Ideate, develop, and own the commercialization of beverage and food products for Sipology.
• Research practicality of new products with customers and field, potential financial impact, and practicality of production processes.
• Plan upcoming launch timelines for newly developed products.
• Proof all product information that is released to the field, including but not limited to packaging, product labels, nutrition facts, incentive and monthly special posters, some marketing emails, and catalog copy and website copy.
• Product and process development including managing development of new formulations, reformulating to improve cost and sensory profile, and approvals of costing.
• Source backup ingredient suppliers and identify, evaluate, and secure innovative ingredients and samples needed to support new product development.
• Approve final formulations and reformulations.
• Supply and approve technical information (including French translations, nutrition facts, selling features, etc.) of new and current products.
• Apply knowledge of food and beverage technology, ingredient functionalities, quality assurance, chemistry, or manufacturing as applied to the development and scale up of food or beverage products.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with a team of Product Development Technicians and Co-op students by setting priorities, supporting daily tasks, ensuring timelines are met, and providing guidance and mentorship.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative culture within Research & Development, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Consultant Support Team and Marketing to develop sales and marketing ideas to promote Steeped Tea products.
• Work with Finance to determine and track budget and project spend.
• Maintain flow of accurate product information to all departments including Marketing, QA, Operations, Production, Finance, Customer Support (through marketing), and IT.
• Collaborate with QA, Marketing, Operations, Purchasing, Finance, and IT to complete tasks and to advance continuous improvement initiatives to achieve desired business goals.

Analysis & Project Management

• Participate in weekly product development meetings, and create and update timelines and action items relating to product development.
• Oversee development and approval of SOPs and LOS for blending and manufacturing processes (along with QA).
• Analyze product life cycles based on sales, pricing changes, seasonality, and production practicality.
• Manage the life cycle of current products through analysis and reports.
• Analyze sales and determine price increases and changes to how items are sold (i.e., gift sets) in collaboration with Operations and Marketing.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in a progressive product development role
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field
• Strong understanding of food and beverage regulations, direct sales business strategy, food manufacturing processes, and marketing of new product lines
• Advanced excel formula skills
• Expertise with process development and SOP creation
• Strong creative and technical orientation with the ability to both identify and imagine the possibilities to bring high quality products to market
• Experience in lab work, research and development, and research documentation
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Self-starter with strong project management skills
• Results oriented with high energy looking to join a fast-paced company

Working @ Steeped Tea

This is a full-time, permanent position. We offer an attractive total compensation plan, with comprehensive group benefits and vacation.

We value and invest in professional development, and as a high-growth company, offer significant opportunities to learn new skills, participate in new business initiatives, and grow your influence and role in the company over time.

Steeped Tea strives to build diverse teams that reflect the communities we work in, and encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.