Japanese Bilingual Food Product Development Associate (R&D)

About the position

Product Development Assistant will support the R&D team in various aspects of product development, from recipe formulation and sample preparation to data management and ingredient procurement. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of raw materials, product formulations, manufacturing processes, and customer requirements.
• Prepare product samples based on recipes and specifications, ensuring consistent quality and taste.
• Input, organize, and manage various types of data related to product development, including recipes, formulation notes, and test results.
• Conduct new product trials or improvements to existing products, based on customer requests and market trends.
• Source and procure raw materials from the in-house warehouse or external suppliers.
• Maintain accurate inventory records of raw materials used in the R&D department.
• Lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Perform other tasks as assigned, such as cleaning, organizing the lab, and assisting with administrative duties.

Requirements

• Proficiency in English and Japanese, both written and spoken.
• Ability to taste and evaluate food products.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• 1-2 years of experience in food manufacturing or product development and/or degree in Food Science or related field preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Culinary Skills: A strong foundation in cooking and baking can be a great starting point.
• Food Enthusiasm: A genuine interest in food trends, flavors, and culinary techniques can be a significant advantage.
• Sensory Awareness: The ability to taste, smell, and visually assess food is crucial for product development.
• Some Private or Professional Cooking Experience: At restaurants, BOH, Cooking Class Hosting, Cooking YouTube etc.
• Strong understanding of food science principles and culinary techniques.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits package (medical, dental, and vision)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off, including holidays and vacation days
• Employee assistance program
• Pet insurance