Senior Product Development Technologist

**The role**:
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Product Development Technologist to lead innovation across our Sport and Food categories. This is a pivotal role where your technical expertise and creativity will drive the development of high-quality, consumer-focused products that support active lifestyles and wellbeing.

Reporting to the Product Development Manager of Sport and Food, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to conceptualize, develop, and launch innovative products that meet our stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. It's a blue-sky innovative environment that is fast-paced, with no two days being the same.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Lead the development of new products from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with brand objectives, consumer preferences, and market trends.
- Conduct thorough research and analysis of market trends, competitor products, and consumer insights to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
- Formulate recipes using a combination of functional ingredients, flavors, and additives to achieve desired taste, texture, and nutritional profiles.
- Conduct sensory evaluations and product trials to optimize formulations and ensure superior taste, texture, and overall product quality.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including R&D, marketing, procurement, and manufacturing teams and co-manufacturers, to ensure successful product development and launch.
- Contributing to the innovation pipeline & ideation sessions.

**Skills and competencies you'll need**:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of experience in product development within the food and beverage industry.
- Strong knowledge of powder, bar and beverage formulation, ingredient functionality, and manufacturing processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
- Creative thinker with a passion for innovation and a drive for excellence.
- Previous experience in a range of food manufacturing facilities.

**Why is this the next great opportunity for you?**

This position is very important to delivering our mission to empower healthier lives, offering challenge and the opportunity to be part of the ongoing growth and success of Vitaco. We believe diversity in our business is an asset that impacts the way we think and the way we work together. We are committed to an inclusive workplace that respects all cultures, different ways of thinking, and supports our people to perform at their best and develop to their full potential.

**What we offer**:

- Competitive salary with annual reviews.
- Personal development and training opportunities.
- Great discounts on our products.
- Access to discounted health insurance.
- A day off on your birthday.
- Wellness initiatives and naturopathic support.
- A fun, supportive, and purpose-driven work environment.

**Our Story**

Vitaco is the home of an outstanding collection of leading New Zealand and Australian supplements, health food, and sports nutrition brands. Our four core brands, **Nutra-Life, Healtheries, Athena, and Musashi**, have been empowering healthier lives in Australia, New Zealand, and over 30 countries worldwide for over 100 years. We achieve our mission to empower healthier lives by developing, manufacturing and marketing world-class nutrition products under our market leading brands.

**Applications will be considered before the closing date.