Job Description
GCH International Mercantile, Inc. is seeking a motivated Product Development Specialist to drive innovation in our food product portfolio. In this role, you will oversee the entire product lifecycle—from ideation and formulation to pilot testing and commercial launch—working closely with QA, production, and marketing teams to ensure each product meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and consumer appeal.
You will conduct market research to identify emerging trends, develop prototypes, and perform sensory evaluations. Your expertise will help translate consumer insights into scalable formulations that align with regulatory requirements and brand objectives. This position offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on our product lineup while growing your expertise in food science and product management.
Additionally, you will maintain detailed documentation of development processes, support scale‑up efforts, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce time‑to‑market. Collaboration with cross‑functional teams is essential, as you will act as a bridge between creative concepts and practical production capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead product development projects from concept formulation through pilot testing to full-scale launch.
- Collaborate with QA and production teams to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance with food safety standards.
- Conduct market research and consumer trend analysis to inform new product ideas and improvements.
- Develop and optimize formulations, conduct sensory evaluations, and adjust recipes based on feedback.
- Prepare technical documentation, including batch records, specifications, and regulatory submissions.
- Support scale‑up activities and troubleshoot production issues to maintain timelines and cost targets.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in product development or formulation within the food industry.
- Strong understanding of food processing, ingredient functionality, and shelf‑life stability.
- Experience with QA/GMP standards and familiarity with local food safety regulations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.