Product Innovation Specialist - Baking

Have you ever dreamed of having the potential to influence flavors and new recipe offerings across an entire nationwide baker network? Then this might be the right role for you.

Who - the Company:  
Our client is a remarkable retail franchise with a solid foundation and business model. Being recognized by the Canadian Franchise Association’s Franchisees Choice Designation is a testament to their dedication to serving both their franchisees and customers. Their franchisees use the strengths of a nationally recognized brand to grow their businesses and give back to the community.

What - the Role:
This role as a Product Innovation Specialist - Baking will be pivotal in shaping the future of our client’s product offerings. Collaborating with various teams like marketing, supply chain, and operations reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the position, highlighting the importance of integrating innovation into every aspect of the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the product lifecycle including conceptualization, design, trials, creation and evaluation of new concepts, recipes, and products for targeted markets or customers and final product specifications.
• Building key relationships with strategic suppliers to source new ingredients and vendors.
• As a member of the Innovation Team, deliver test baking of new and existing products and recipes to the group for feedback and product enhancement.
• Stay abreast of trends and developments within the industry, channels, and techniques that will keep the brand in the forefront.
• Prepare finished products to the highest standards for marketing activities including promotional materials, photoshoots and customer events.
• Assist the Baking and Training Specialist with various tasks such as managing the National Baking Competition, developing Masterclass video content for training programs, and troubleshooting product quality issues with bakeries.
• Working at our retail test bakery, the physical requirements are:
  • Use of baking tools, equipment, and machinery
  • Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

 Who - the Candidate:

• 5+ years’ proven experience in baking and product development, preferably gained within the retail, hospitality or manufacturing industry sector.
• Advanced baking skills and understanding of baking techniques.
• Extensive experience and passion for development of recipe, flavour, cost, and nutrition.
• Knowledge of ingredients functionality, product evaluation, health and nutrition, food manufacturing processes, microbiology, quality assurance principles, and market research principles.
• Strong project management skills in overseeing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to work flexible schedule including nights, early mornings and weekends (please note that the typical hours for this role will be regular Monday to Friday business hours).
• Strong communication skills.
• Detail oriented and possess strong organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Adept in MS Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Red Seal Baker or equivalent is an asset.
• Knowledge of Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods and/or Franchising is an asset.
• Having a culinary blog and experience presenting via social media or TV is an asset.

Where:
Vancouver, BC, this role will mostly be on-site but also offer some work from home flexibility.

How Much:
Base salary commensurate with experience, likely in the range of $65,000-$70,000. Plus, bonus, health benefits, RRSP match, paid vacation and other benefits. Please discuss your total compensation expectations with SWIM!

When & How to Apply:
This search is moving extremely quickly! If you already have a Recruiter at SWIM, please reach out very soon. If you do not yet have a contact at Swim Recruiting, please hit 'APPLY NOW' and send us your resume.

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