Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is looking for an innovative and detail-oriented Product Developer to join our Bakery & Prepared Foods team. In this role, you'll be responsible for developing new products, improving existing recipes, and supporting the technical development and scaling of bakery and kitchen items. This position is perfect for a creative, hands-on professional with a passion for food science and product innovation who thrives in a collaborative environment.

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods: What drives us

We are a family-founded company with deep roots in the Richmond community. We value teammates who are Honest, Safe, Helpful, and Ingenuitive. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that reflects those values every day.

What It's Like to be a Product Developer

As a Product Developer, you'll work closely with production, procurement, and quality teams to bring new ideas to life while ensuring our products meet the highest quality standards. You'll have the opportunity to test new techniques, experiment with ingredients, and develop recipes that delight our customers. This is a mid-level role where you'll manage multiple projects, contribute to innovation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a supportive and fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and modify recipes and formulas to meet customer and company product strategies.
• Maintain accurate recipe documentation and organized project records.
• Assist with plant trials, scale-ups, and product testing to ensure consistency and quality.
• Collaborate with procurement and production teams to source ingredients and address formulation challenges.
• Research and evaluate new ingredients, techniques, and trends to support innovation.
• Provide prototype samples for customer presentations and sales support.
• Manage multiple projects and timelines effectively.
• Support food safety and quality programs, ensuring compliance with HACCP, SQF, SSOPs, and GMPs.
• Participate in corporate and community events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Culinary Arts, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in product development, bakery formulation, or food manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Understanding of bakery science, ingredients, and processes.
• Passion for exploring new products, techniques, and ingredients.
• Ensures formulas and finished products meet Ukrop's quality standards.
• Works effectively across departments and communicates clearly.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and production environments.
• May be exposed to cold or refrigerated areas during product testing.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift (up to 25 lbs.) as part of product development activities.

Benefits

• Affordable healthcare upon eligibility
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Company 401(k) upon eligibility
• Paid Time Off
• Birthday PTO
• Referral Bonuses
• Shift Differential on eligible shifts
• Competitive Salary
• and more

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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