Business Development Associate

I. Rice & Company is a food manufacturing company local to the Philadelphia area providing high quality and customized food products for over 125 years with a focus in both beverage and bakery items. The Business Development Associate will support our growing cross-functional team in support of new and existing product development. 

Business Development Associate

This position supports the Chief Business and Strategy Officer and the R&D Department in relationship to product development and customer relations. This newly assigned role will be integral in the day-to-day management of new & ongoing projects within our R&D and Operations teams, to help ensure efficient completion and to maintain standards of food quality throughout the product development life cycle. He/she will act as a liaison between Quality, Ops and Sales to ensure regulatory documentation in place for all new project and materials, and meeting standards for product development.

Essential Job and Duties:

·       Manage incoming project requests 

·       Support cross-functional team members in order to meet deadlines and improve speed to market 

·       Update project reports and timelines

·       Ensure all new products meet the requirements to be certified natural compliant, kosher, non-GMO, etc.

·       Understand facility capabilities and capacity in respect to company portfolio

·       Maintain accurate records of product development process

·       Review specifications and nutrition information on new products 

·       Ensure product specifications are accurate and up to date

·       Monitor trends in the industry and initiate concept development to build product pipeline and capture customer attention 

·       Participate in all team activities, including tastings, flavor testing and sensory evaluations

·       Maintain proper lab conditions 

·       Be capable of working in various work settings of the facility including laboratory, office and plant areas

Skills and Expectations:

This individual must have fundamental knowledge of the duties and equipment described above. Training provided as needed. 

Key Skills and Specifications are as follows:

·       Ability to prioritize and organize one’s work load

·       Strong attention to detail

·       Must be highly organized as to best manage the changing priorities associated with a fast-paced, team environment

·       Must be a self-starter and self-motivated