Food Product Development Manager (Korean - English Bilingual)

About us:

CEF Solutions Inc. is a Consulting Services and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company specializing in BPO Operations, Operations Management, Process Engineering and Innovation, Cost Optimization, and Staffing solutions. We take pride in our expertise in providing specialized staffing services, ensuring that clients in the Customer Service industry have access to top talent that aligns with their operational goals. We service some of the largest multinational companies in the world and are expanding quickly by delivering an unmatched end-to-end client experience.

Company website: www.CEF.inc

Position Summary

The Food Product Development Manager will lead the development of new food products from concept to commercialization. This role involves managing the entire product development lifecycle, including research, formulation, testing, and optimization. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams such as marketing and production to ensure the creation of innovative and high-quality products that meet consumer needs and regulatory standards. The Food Product Development Manager will also be responsible for overseeing the development of product prototypes, conducting market research, and managing timelines and resources to meet business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drive new product development and process enhancements through consumer feedback insights.
• Conceptualize and create innovative product ideas and recipes aligned with market trends.
• Conduct thorough research on products, markets, and technology to forge fresh product concepts.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to evaluate the feasibility of new product concepts.
• Design comprehensive product structures, source ingredients, and develop prototypes.
• Ensure uncompromising quality and safety of food products, actively seeking safe ingredient alternatives.
• Review, validate, and enforce adherence to nutritional data and labeling regulations.
• Develop detailed specifications for raw materials, process controls, and finished goods.
• Oversee and manage product specification documents for internal and customer use.
• Maintain regulatory compliance, liaising with relevant authorities, and proactively adapting to changes.
• Collaborate with the Oregon factory team, and occasional business trips are required

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Korean - English Bilingual required (minimal fluency acceptable)
• Bachelor's degree in culinary science, food science, food process engineering or related field (Advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of proven food product development experience.
• Background in professional cooking environments preferred.
• Culinary institute training is a plus.
• Willing to relocate to Salem, Oregon.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends and market dynamics.
• Proficiency in creating and evaluating product concepts.
• Knowledge of food safety, USDA labeling, and regulations.
• Strong project management, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Creative thinker with effective communication abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Physical Requirements: Regularly required to sit, stand, and use hands to handle or feel objects and operate office equipment. Occasionally required to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Noise Levels: Generally, low noise levels typical of an office environment.
• Temperature and Environment: Standard office temperature and conditions; occasional exposure to outdoor environments for site visits or factory tours.
• ADA Impacts: Accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.