Merchandising- Product Development Specialist

Job Description

Ready to Transform Retail? Embark on a rewarding career with Sobeys Inc., celebrated among Canadau2019s Top 100 employers where your unique contributions drive success.
**Ready to start fresh?**
Sobeys is full of exciting opportunities, and we are always looking for bright new talent to join our team!
We are currently looking for a passionate, innovative and collaborative team member to join our product development team.
As a member of the Product Development team, you will manage and execute strategic and innovative development projects from concept to launch to the business on time.
This role reports directly to the Director of Product Development
and works closely with the Brand Manager, Quality Assurance Specialist, Suppliers and other Supportive Roles.
If you are a foodie and want to inspire and influence the our customers, then this is the role for you.
**Here''s where you have an impact:**
Drive the execution of Own Brands product development within assigned categories by creating innovative, high-impact products that enhance brand equity, foster regional support, and build long-term customer loyalty.
Oversee the end-to-end product development processu2014ensuring alignment with sensory, brand/ingredient standards and driving timely, strategic launches by accelerating speed to market.
Continuously enhance the existing Own Brands product portfolio through performance analysis, consumer feedback, trend integration and adjustments based on regulatory compliance changes.
Work closely with suppliers to transform product concepts into viable offerings, ensuring feasibility and alignment with brand/ingredient standards, consistency, and quality expectations.
Support supplier sourcing and resourcing efforts, offering strategic input to ensure optimal supplier alignment and performance.
Provide packaging feedback related to product suitability and ensure artwork accuracy, in alignment with product development responsibilities and brand standards.
Request and manage product samples and key information from suppliers; oversee the organization and rotation of samples within designated product development areas.
Conduct competitive product shopping to support trend tracking, concept development, and market positioning.
Collaborate with Category Management to identify and prioritize Own Brands needs aligned with category-specific strategies, while actively exchanging product innovation ideas through regular planning and review sessions.
Attend and/or lead key Own Brands events, presenting product concepts and finalized items to internal and external stakeholders.
Represent the company at industry trade shows and travel to supplier facilities to oversee plant trials and support commercialization.
Responsible for leveraging customer insights, industry trends and market research to identify Own Brand opportunities
Work closely with a multi-disciplinary team Quality Assurance, Brand Management, Regulatory, Design, Marketing, Corporate Sustainability, Operations and Category Merchants.
**Position Requirements**
A Food Science degree and/or culinary certification is a strong asset.
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in product development.
Knowledge of Food Safety parameters is beneficial.
Familiarity with CFIA standards of identity is an asset.
Experience with ingredient specifications is advantageous.
Working knowledge of certifications is preferred.
Must be able to travel, with a valid driveru2019s license and access to a vehicle.
Proven experience in Critical Path Management.
Previous food manufacturing experience is a plus.
In-depth knowledge of food trends is desirable.
Ability to pack and unpack product samples and maintain a clean, organized sample area.
Exceptional ability to develop and deliver effective presentations to diverse audiences
Proficient in programs such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
**Who we are:**
We started in a small town in Nova Scotia but we are now in communities of all sizes across this great country. With over 1,600 stores in all 10 provinces, you may know us as Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, Lawtons Drug Stores or another of our great banners but we are all one extended family.
Our family of 128,000 employees and franchise affiliates share a collective passion for delivering exceptional shopping experiences and amazing food to all our customers. Our mission is to nurture the things that make life better u2013 great experiences, families, communities, and our employees. We are a family nurturing families.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is fuelled by our purpose and values. It shapes our culture and drives business success. As a family nurturing families, we embed DE&I into everything we do. We know that it takes open minds and respect for distinct perspectives to create engaging workplaces, inclusive customer experiences and strong community partnerships. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process and will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of this process.
**What we offer:**
Our Total Rewards package is designed to help our teammates thriveu2014physically, financially, and emotionally. While offerings vary by role and employment types; eligible teammates may receive:
Comprehensive Benefits Package with health and dental coverage, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
Access to Virtual Health Care and an Employee and Family Assistance Program for personalized support.
Retirement and Savings Plan to help you build financial security.
10% In-Store Discount at participating banners, plus additional discount programs.
Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving you the opportunity to invest in the companyu2019s success.
Learning and Development Resources to support your career growth.
Parental Leave Top-Up to assist growing families.
Paid Vacation and Days Off to help you recharge.
Sobeys is committed to providing a compensation structure that is flexible, equitable and competitive in the market to enable performance and growth.
To learn more about this opportunityu2014including expected range of compensation in accordance with Pay Transparency Legislation where required u2014please click the u201cIu2019m interestedu201d button above.
Individual Compensation is determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity within the range provided.
External websites may share our organization''s job postings which includes compensation information based on similar roles and market benchmarks. These figures are provided for general comparison purposes only and are not issued or verified by our organization..
To drive our commitment to team collaboration and the overall success of our office culture we require our teammates to have the ability to adhere to a hybrid work model that requires your presence at one of our office locations at least three days per week.
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support efficiencies in the candidate screening, assessment, and recruitment processes. These AI tools do not make hiring decisions on behalf of the Company, these decisions are made by our Hiring Teams.
If you feel that this describes the kind of work you want to do and you are excited about what Sobeys has to offer, then please apply by the posting end date indicated above. We encourage candidates to submit a resume and take the time to ensure that their application highlights what makes them uniquely qualified for this opportunity!
Please note: Successful candidates will be required to provide documentation to prove their legal ability to work in the position during the onboarding process.
Documentation will be assessed by the employer prior to commencement of work.
**Job Details**
**Job Family**
**Merchandising**
**Job Function**
**Merchandising - Product Development**
**Pay Type**
**Salary**
**Travel Required**
**Yes**
**Travel Percentage**
**10**
**Hiring Min Rate**
**91,000 CAD**
**Hiring Max Rate**
**126,000 CAD**