Sr. Product Development Specialist

Division Information

The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra, Instant Ocean, Marineland, 8-in-1, Dingo, FURminator, Nature's Miracle, GloFish, DreamBone and SmartBones. Job Summary

The Senior Product Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in project management to create new pet products within AAFCO and FDA guidelines, bring new ideas for innovation, and much more! This position is part of an experienced R&D team with flexible management and responsive leadership dedicated to building careers. This role will take direction from the R&D Nutritionist, Senior R&D Nutritionist, R&D Manager or R&D Lab Supervisor to identify pet market needs and develop innovative solutions for a global market. Come join a winning team that manages a growing $1.2 billion product portfolio! Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Product Development

Assist in formulation of pet products, including feed supplements and diets as applicable

Assist in developing products for the U.S. and international pet markets according to relevant regulations

Assist in scientifically substantiating product label claims based on peer-reviewed literature and/or clinical efficacy results

Interact with internal and 3rd party manufacturers to provide product formulation guidance

Review U.S. and global 3rd party formulas to ensure proper product specifications are met

Interact with both internal and external manufacturing teams to troubleshoot production processes

Collaborate with Marketing to develop global products that meet label claims and ensure customer and consumer satisfaction

Partner with Food Safety and Regulatory to develop safe and efficacious products that adhere to all regulatory guidelines

Ability to perform review and provide feedback on Marketing's desired product claims

Ability to create a written document to substantiate global product claims through literature review and/or efficacy testing

Participate in R&D Led Innovation by brainstorming, presenting, and developing innovative product ideas that align with brand strategy

Assist the R&D Nutritionist, Senior R&D Nutritionist, R&D Manager or R&D Lab Supervisor in managing and streamlining integration activity as newly acquired brands join the portfolio

Testing & Analysis

Assist in the design of global pet product stability study protocols

Assist in global product formulation by creating and troubleshooting lab batches

Lead all stability studies and analyze data to determine U.S. and international product shelf-life

Create and maintain database of global product stability certificates

Participate in the investigation of consumer complaints and collaborate with Quality Assurance and Food Safety to implement corrective actions for existing U.S. and international pet products

Partner with Production, Quality Assurance, and Packaging Engineering to perform manufacturing pilots and line trials

Prepare mock-up samples in response to marketing and sales needs for U.S. and international product pitches

Maintain annual testing requirements for claims substantiation on global products

Maintain and update R&D laboratory Standard Operating Procedures

Process Development

Actively participate in the continuous improvement of New Product Development (NPD) and working processes, as well as interdepartmental relationships

Contribute to the company Speed to Market initiative by prioritizing time and resources

Education and Experience Profile

Bachelor's degree required with 3+ years of experience in product development and/or a laboratory setting

Preference given to those with Chemistry, Biology, Food Sciences, Animal Sciences, or related science background

Transferable skills welcome

Required Skills

Knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment, and safety requirements

Possess basic critical thinking and analytical skills

High level of organizational skills

Ability to work independently with little supervision

Ability to think creatively and overcome obstacles

Demonstrate strong multi-tasking skills

Good communication skills, both written and oral

Ability to work well in a team environment

Ability to communicate effectively with all levels within the organization

PC Skills: Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adobe, etc.

Work Environment

85-90% office environment with hybrid work schedule

5-10% lab environment

5% travel on an as needed basis

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job/classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Spectrum Brands is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

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