CD&D Specification Technologist - Kennesaw, GA

Job Description

This is an exempt level position.

The CD&D Specification Technologist position is designed to assist in the function of transitioning newly formulated/designed products from conceptual models (Estimates/Quotes, paper formulations, etc.) to purchasable items in the Deerland-ADM system(s). The scope of the CD&D Specification Technologist will include, but not be limited to: (1) converting signed Estimates into formal Quotations, (2) managing internal cross‑departmental communications to transition newly ordered products to completely set up SKUs, (3) entering and managing approvals for all internal ERP requirements (recipes, etc.),

(4) writing and converting finished good specifications and associated internal documents, in addition to (5) assisting adjacent departmental contacts with new raw material conversions (including labels, packaging, etc.) to orderable, internal item codes.

• Creating finished good specifications and associated internal documents based on customer formulation and existing customer specification requirements.
• Lead overall new product set up process and manage flow of incoming new SKU orders, or orders for existing SKUs that require CD&D intervention/input.
• Maintain open communication with Sales, Customer Service, and other departments regarding progression of new product launches and associated set up progress.
• Product formulation design, recipe development considering target pricing, raw material costs, internal working labor/overhead/resource allocation, and gross margin, and conversion from paper formulation to internally set up item codes for finished goods and associated raw materials.
• Oversee efforts for adjustment of existing SKU new product set up documentation based on updated Estimates/Quotes and/or other departmental directives.
• Provide overall assistance to other members of the CD&D group for non‑specified Product Development (CD&D) tasks such as Estimate/Quote development, technical support with internal and external groups, etc.
• Implement continuous improvement processes to optimize and develop the overall new product set up system(s) used by Deerland-ADM for new SKU launches.
• Lead internal training for other CD&D department members to develop new product set up capabilities and improve back‑coverage for responsibilities in times of unavailability.

• Ensure overall compliance with all safety procedures, cGMPs, and SOPs related to each job task including but not limited to: proper documentation, product sampling/handling, reporting, and training.
• Convert newly signed custom formulation Estimates to Quotations, including leading efforts for prototype requests/interpretation, item number set up, initial finished good document design, etc.
• Manage the overall new product set up process for internal and external communications regarding the transition to orderable SKUs. This may include providing insight into formula change requirements, prototyping issues/concerns, misalignment on specification targets, incorporation of customer‑specific information into finished good documents, and leading weekly New Product Set Up Meetings for internal contacts.
• Initiate all new product set up processes via prototype request system(s).
• Write and develop all new product set up documentation for new product SKUs and enter associated recipes into appropriate ERP systems.
• Provide assistance to Commercialization department members for large new product launches that require CD&D intervention.
• Develop other CD&D departmental members’ skillsets to aid with new product set up process and day‑to‑day workload.
• Create and lead associated trainings for continuous departmental skillset improvement regarding new product set up.
• Develop programs and/or methods for improvements within the Product Development (CD&D) department, including but not limited to the organization of existing data, management/modification of processes, and creation of new tools to improve overall efficiencies.
• Assist with existing formulation modification (specification change) processes when…