Job Description

Referred applicants should not apply directly to this role.

All referred applicants must first be submitted through Workday by a current Loblaw Colleague.

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued \xe2\x80\x93 as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country\'s largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well\xc2\xae.

At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.

Please note that this is an 18-month contract.

All of our Loblaw control labels and brands make us proud because they follow our philosophy of taking something good and making it better \xe2\x80\x93 and that\xe2\x80\x99s what our customers expect when they shop in our stores! It\xe2\x80\x99s been true since the introduction of The Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie, and it\xe2\x80\x99s still true today, with our PC Blue Menu and PC Organics products.

We market our control label products in the food, health and beauty, apparel and general merchandise categories under brand names that include President\xe2\x80\x99s Choice, PC, No Name, Blue Menu, Joe Fresh, Club Pack, PC Organics, Life Brand and Exact.

The Product Developer is a key collaborator in the innovation process. A strong culinary background is required as well as insight into global industry developments and food trends to deliver customer driven market leading innovation.

In this role you will be accountable for the development of product including all aspects of technical, formula and sensory validation. Product Development is passionate about supporting category objectives and leading consumer motivated innovations into the market. This role works closely with the Vendors, Product Manager and Category Management to find opportunities, direction and bring product concepts to life! The right candidate for this role should have experience in industry specific manufacturing and production knowledge (food or non-food), have the ability to define internal constraints and vendor capabilities, and understand fundamental technical knowledge of assigned categories.

Accountabilities:

Work closely with our team of experts to develop and test new and existing ingredients, develop and finalize recipes and pass the sensory approval process.

Has a deep understanding of current and future food and industry trends and applies this knowledge in the development and planning process.

Reviews product portfolio on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance and best quality in marketplace. As required, takes steps to optimize portfolio by addressing and correcting product performance issues.

Work with Product Manager to provide detailed briefs to vendors and clear product development targets and timelines.

Work with vendors through all stages of the development process to ensure concept to execution (C2E) timelines are met. Work with the Product Development team to ensure brand and project targets are being met and provide clear and directive feedback to vendor to ensure project remains on track and address sidebar concerns

Attend plant trials and support first productions to optimize the product development process and take corrective actions that ensure products deliver to Loblaw Brand standards. Understands variability of each manufacturer and works with the vendor to develop clear production processes per our required brand standards.

Timely management of Product Development critical path timelines that are delivered at all key points, and lend in delivering the overall product plan, while ensuring product standard and targets are met.

Present new products to the Loblaw Brands Management team and to the broader organization to drive understanding of product concept and outstanding product attributes and overall product context/historical understanding

Creator and owner of new product specifications and ensures all appropriate process controls are mandated for the ongoing delivery of product standards

Regularly attend relevant trade shows and courses to continuously develop and remain current on latest trends and technology.

Role Requirements:

Post-secondary university degree

Proven experience (minimum 4-7 years) in a product development or quality assurance role with strong technical skills.

Minimum 2 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience working in a manufacturing environment

Creative problem solver and strategist with a strong work ethic. Highly organized, able to prioritize multiple projects effectively and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Sophisticated understanding and knowledge of product formulations, manufacturing, packaging and testing applications

Require basic knowledge of applicable government regulations

Excellent oral/written communication skills, interpersonal skills and relationship management

Ability to work well independently and as a team with people across all levels, unionized and non-unionized to address problems and communicate sophisticated topics to non-technical audiences.

Able to influence and interact optimally with all levels at retail/distribution, vendor and office locations

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

An effective change agent who possesses the influencing skills needed to help the organization adopt new ways of thinking and to accept more sophisticated business tools

Results oriented \xe2\x80\x93 consistently delivering on time

Travel will be required and will include local, national and international

At Loblaw, we respect the environment, source products with integrity and make a positive difference in the community. Our CORE Values \xe2\x80\x93 Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence \xe2\x80\x93 guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits \xe2\x80\x93 these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Top Employers.

Loblaw recognizes Canada\'s diversity as a source of national pride and strength. We have made it a priority to reflect our nation\xe2\x80\x99s evolving diversity in the products we sell, the people we hire, and the culture we build in our organization. At Loblaw, we celebrate diversity where differences are valued and supported. Commitment to being an equal opportunity employer is a priority to us, and we encourage people from all backgrounds and identities to apply to our jobs.

Accommodation in the recruitment, assessment, and hiring process is available upon request for applicants with disabilities.

Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars \xe2\x80\x93 Environment, Sourcing and Community \xe2\x80\x93 and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values \xe2\x80\x93 Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence \xe2\x80\x93 guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits \xe2\x80\x93 these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Top Employers, Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Best Diversity Employers, Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Greenest Employers & Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Top Employers for Young People.

If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.

We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Please Note:
Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.

Loblaw