Product Development Project Lead

Description

Product Development Project Lead

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS

Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Serves as the regular contact between GSF Product Development / LP Management, McDonald’s Menu Management, Quality Systems and all Supply Chain partners to help facilitate project management including communication regarding new product development, product commercialization, technical issues/opportunities, manage current projects, coordinate new concepts with product development within McDonald’s and GSF as well as ensure high quality customer service, rapid problem response and resolution.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Facilitates communication regarding the development of new products or duplication of target products from concept to launch into McDonald’s restaurants, as requested by McDonalds, to ensure smooth operations and high-quality customer service. Facilitates resolution of technical product issues efficiently and to customer’s satisfaction. (20%)

• Schedules and facilitates new and core product reviews to support new product launches. Facilitates planning between McDonalds’ Menu and Quality Systems staff and GSF R&D, Quality Assurance and Operations to ensure customer needs are met and GSF receives regular required feedback for effective decision-making. (20%)

• Supports communication between GSF LPNA and McDonald’s Supply Chain on New Product and LTO launches. Leads interactions, troubleshoots, and problem-solves product development and new product and core supply chain issues regarding GSF products, national promotions, and regional promotional activities to ensure rapid problem response and resolution with McDonald’s. (20%)

• Coordinates the presentation of new concepts to McDonald’s which includes providing samples for evaluation, creating presentation materials, attending focus groups, assisting with taste panel testing and following up with the appropriate GSF contacts. (10%)

• Hosts McDonald’s at GSF facilities for scale up, first production, and oversees sample coordination and approval process alongside R&D as part of the new product commercialization process. (10%)

• Participates in the McDonald’s New Products Supply Chain, Core Supply Chain and Supply Chain partners meetings and special project teams to provide input and direction on McDonalds’ strategic initiatives and menu development. (5%)

• Attends the McDonald’s QS product cuttings and attends the McDonald’s Liquid Product Innovation Team meetings. (5%)

• Look for and anticipate opportunities outside of our current portfolio to gain market share within the McDonald’s business. (5%)

• Maintain customer-facing demonstration kitchen and shared office space to support customer evaluations, product testing, and internal evaluation efforts in the Chicago Innovation Center. Assist in hosting McDonald’s or related organizations such as Ronald McDonald House for events in Chicago IC. (5%)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• 5-7 or more years of relevant experience in product development, customer service, account management and/or marketing.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or related technical field from an accredited college or university

SCHEDULE & SETTING

Hybrid: 3 days in office / 2 days remote
Travel: No travel required
Role Type: Individual Contributor

BENEFITS

Health and Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Voluntary Insurance (Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Legal, Life, and AD&D);
Pet Insurance

Retirement Benefits: 401(k)

Paid Time Off (PTO):
Includes vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays provided in accordance with company policy and applicable state and local laws.

To apply , click “Apply” and complete the online application

WHY JOIN US

Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers…