Product Development Technologist

ABOUT THE GROUP

From a small store in Turin to a large, internationally recognized group: we are present in 90 countries around the world, with over 4,000 employees and 30 companies, managed directly and indirectly by the Luigi Lavazza Spa parent company, which distribute and market our products and coffee machines. In addition to Lavazza, the following brands are also part of our Group: Carte Noire, Merrild, Kicking Horse, Eraclea and Whittington tea.

Joining Lavazza means doing business with passion, knowing that the impact of our work goes beyond the quality of the production chain. We are a big family, and are constantly looking for new talents who share our values and can enrich our team. We combine competitiveness with social and environmental responsibility as we create superior quality products available for consumption both at home and out of home, and distributed through all channels: Retail, Foodservice, Office Coffee Service (OCS), and Vending. Our strong, diversified presence enables us to offer consumers and clients perfectly suited solutions, for any occasion and time of day.

JOB OVERVIEW

At Lavazza North America, the Product Development Technologist is responsible for assisting with the development of new products across all platforms (single serve, roast & ground, ready-to-drink, etc.), conducting base-level research, completing production trials, and defining process parameters. This role will partner closely with Marketing, Commercial, and the larger R&D Group to deliver on the innovation goals of the business, resolve supply continuity issues related to ingredients, and support cost reduction/value generation projects.

Location: West Chester, PA

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JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and investigate new ingredients, applications, or equipment and translation of that knowledge into new product development formulation including benchtop prototyping, refinement, and commercialization.
• Create and manage relationships with new and existing ingredient suppliers.
• Research and understand current market trends as well as competitor activities.
• Close partnership with key stakeholders, including Marketing, Quality, and Procurement to ensure the delivery of innovation projects.
• Close partnership with R&D Process and Packaging engineers and Sensory team.
• Support material risk assessments in partnership with SQA.
• Support handover and implementation of newly developed products to the Supply organization.
• Support cross functionally within the R&D Group (HQ, Ingredients, Packaging, Process, Machines).
• Design and execute new product line trials with the production team, including the generation of line test specifications, analysis of line test results and providing recommendations for appropriate adjustments to product formulas and/or processes.
• Creation and maintenance of raw material and finished product specifications for new and current products.
• Support co-development and trials with suppliers and co-manufacturers.
• Provide the necessary technical content to feed into the artwork process for new products or product optimization including NLEA calculations and support for Regulatory.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Food or Life Science required.
• 3-5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Working knowledge of ingredient science, manufacturing processes, quality assurance principles, project management, and new product development.
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work proactively with internal and external customers and stakeholders.
• Proficient in MS Office, Minitab, Power BI, etc.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively summarize/communicate technical data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated and intellectually curious.
• Strong Attention to details and research focus.

BENEFITS/PERKS

• Competitive Medical, Vision, Dental Benefits
• Great 401K Package
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite Cafeteria and Gym (West Chester location)
• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Ability to be barista certified
• Monthly Lunches provided by Lavazza
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Performance Development Plans
• Employee Discounts
• Flexible business casual dress code - jean friendly!
• Free coffee, anytime!