Job DescriptionElevate your career at Whole Foods Market! We're seeking a dynamic team player to support product development and the commercialization of Exclusive Brand products that are aligned with WFM's retail vision.

　　As an integral member of the PD team, you'll support product research, collaborate with Exclusive Brands Product Development leadership, and innovate in the development of new, high-quality products. From partnering with Senior and Principal Product Developers on category insights to working with suppliers, you'll be at the forefront of culinary exploration.

　　Your role involves collaborating with Senior and Principal Product Developers in benchmarking against competitors and supporting the evaluation of product samples and related specifications, all while maintaining Whole Foods Market's stringent ingredient and quality standards.

　　If you're ready to infuse excitement into food innovation and make an impact, join us in shaping the future of culinary excellence at Whole Foods Market!

　　This role will observe the 3-day hybrid office model. Based in Store Support Office Austin, TX.

　　Summary of Position:

　　Supports ideation, development, and commercialization of Exclusive Brand products for Exclusive Brands categories. Support technical requirements and project workflow. Supports the evaluation of product samples and related specifications for new and existing products. Collaborate with Senior and Principal Product Developers to develop and maintain products that meet Whole Foods Market and regulatory standards.

　　Duties and Responsibilities:

　　Support varying product categories and project teams, sometimes concurrently and as the business necessitates.

　　Contribute to scoping phase of ideation within product categories by identifying trending ingredients and products at the request of Senior Product Developers—including, but not limited to market research partners, trend-mapping, category insights recommendations, and competitor shopping.

　　Follow up with supplier on outstanding specification requests, as necessary.

　　Communicate with suppliers to ensure the specifications are accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory guidelines and WFM (Whole Foods Market) Quality Standards.

　　Assist with reporting specification related information to Product Development leadership and internal stakeholders.

　　Perform data entry and workflow of technical information utilizing web-based project management applications.

　　Partner with Senior Developers to create category insights decks by researching current consumer product goods via market research partner database.

　　Identifying and conducting comparisons against target products (if applicable) and sensory benchmarks through exploratory comp shops and cuttings.

　　Support organoleptic evaluation for potential products, including comparisons between multiple potential vendors’ sample submission.

　　Suggest sensory techniques to best evaluate sample submissions and reduce bias in evaluation.

　　Communicate sensory, nutritional, and quality parameters to Senior Developers.

　　Support effective launch of items through first production evaluation of samples against approved retains of final formulations.

　　Communicate specification evaluations to Senior Product Developers in a timely manner.

　　Evaluate product preparation instructions for Exclusive Brands products (if applicable).

　　Requirements and Qualifications:

　　Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related field.

　　2-3 years’ experience working in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) or ingredient industries.

　　Must have knowledge of benchtop formulation and product development as it relates to CPG products.

　　Must possess the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and deliver against rapid development timelines.

　　Must be detail oriented and extremely organized.

　　Must possess excellent communication skills and possess the ability to excel in cross-functional team settings.

　　Must have computer proficiency and familiarity with most Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

　　Preferences:

　　Cursory understanding of product development and related business processes.

　　Sensory evaluation experience and skills are a plus.

　　A passion for food, beverage and the culinary world is a major plus.

　　Experience developing natural and organic products is a plus.

　　Knowledge of NFL regulations as they relate to product development is helpful.

　　General understanding of product development, manufacturing, and commercialization.

　　Familiarity of retailer web-based specification systems would be ideal.

　　At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

　　Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.

　　Who are we? Well, we seek out the finest natural and organic foods available, maintain the strictest quality standards in the industry, and have an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture. Add to that the excitement and fun we bring to shopping for groceries, and you start to get a sense of what we’re all about. Oh yeah, we’re a mission-driven company too.

　　Whole Foods Market attracts people who are passionate - about great food, about the communities they live in, about how we treat our planet and our fellow humans - and who want to bring their passion into the workplace and make a difference.

　　Learn more about careers at Whole Foods Market here (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/careers) !

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