The Mercola group of companies is home to a variety of brands, such as Dr. Mercola which includes a variety of natural health product categories including dietary supplements, functional foods, organic personal care and health related products for home and fitness. Solspring, our regenerative agriculture grocery line features a line of artisanal and gourmet Biodynamic and Organic foods. Mercola Healthy Pets offers supplements, species appropriate foods and grooming products for cats and dogs. SITO features organic cotton textiles including apparel and bedding. These lines are constantly growing, and we are consistently expanding the types of products we offer.
We are seeking a highly driven and motivated individual who is interested in Research and Development to join our team as Product Development Specialist. The main function of this job consists of communicating and coordinating projects in the product development process from ideation to the launching of finished product in the market, both internally, inter-departments and externally with manufacturers and suppliers.
This position is a great opportunity for an individual seeking gain experience or advance their career in this field in the Natural Products Industry. Position comes with excellent benefits package, 401K match and additional perks with a quickly growing company.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the research and development of new and existing product concepts
- Actively source new and innovative ingredients reviewing ingredients to ensure they meet specifications
- Develop and maintain professional and positive vendor and supplier relationships
- Oversee product development activities with vendors during formulation, quoting, and trial stages while maintaining project timelines
- Collaborate with team members during internal development processes during compliance documentation, label review and design, etc.
- Coordinate and organize multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing projects through their ideation to launch
Present and lead new product innovation sessions to internal groups
- Review samples and prototypes for durability and ease of use while assessing potential failures
- and implement improvements
- Create competitive market analysis for new products in order to advise on appropriate pricing
- Review existing products for potential improvements and initiate improvements as needed
- Review marketing materials for accuracy and proper emphasis
- Review scientific research on new and existing products
- Travel may be required occasionally
Qualifications:
- 1 to 3 years’ experience in the nutraceutical and natural products industry, product research
- and development, or relevant Associate or Bachelors of Science Degree such as a Bachelors of Food Science
- Experience developing and maintaining professional business relationships
- Ability to work in a team environment – open to collaboration, other perspectives and easy to work with
- Solid organizational and multi-tasking skills
- Strong math skills
- Self-motivated, determined, and open to continuing their professional development
- Ability to work with and adapt to changes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office programs