Product Development Technician

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Product Development Technician  to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35 years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry. Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here's the scoop 

Summary

The Product Development Technician works with the Product Development Lead to ensure the goals of the department are met. This position has accountability for the on-time launches of new products that meet or exceed product performance goals and development and validation of scientifically proven.  This position participates in both the oversight and hands-on work in several areas of product development for products and special projects including test runs, performance testing, and developing new technologies for creating biologically appropriate products. The Product Development Technician works out of our Kentucky production facility and reports directly to Product Development Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with Lead to coordinate in-house and third-party test runs.
• Working with the Ingredient Management team to ensure ingredient delivery on time for test runs.
• Planning and executing coating of test run product.
• Arranging shipping of test run product to third-party testing facilities.
• Writing technical reports.
• Packaging and shipping material to vendors for testing.
• Working with operations staff to secure in-house products.
• Data entry as required.
• Accurate & efficient planning and management of resources to meet schedules and coordinate departmental functions in the absence of the Managers.
• Demonstration of a high level of understanding of the pet food industry, including attending forums or seminars related to the development of new trends or technologies within the pet food realm.
• Participate in the development of ideas for new product development projects that are in alignment of the Company’s mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstration of knowledge of the Company’s policies and practices regarding health, safety, and the environment, including commitment to personal compliance with same.
• Perform other tasks as required or assigned.
• Occasional travel required.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in related field (Food Science, Animal Science, Biology, etc.) Exceptional industry experience may be considered in place of degree.
• 2-5 years of previous experience in a food manufacturing or product development setting, meat handling and processing experience is an asset.
• Experience in extrusion and/or freeze dry processing is an asset.
• Ability to lift 25kg/50lb.
• Ability to work in a physical work environment.
• Maintain flexibility with changing priorities.
• Experience in interacting with other individuals always demonstrating diplomacy and professionalism.
• Detail-oriented, with a good ability to review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance to SOPs and GMP.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to identify priorities.
• Uses discretion and judgment in handling confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information.
• Able to work effectively independently or within a group.
• Passion to learn, develop, and implement new technologies and methods.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office programs.
• Ability to conduct presentations in meetings.
• PPE may be required for some locations where this position is regularly required to work.
• Some extended hours of work may be required.

Come as you are. 

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us. 

Champion is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

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