POSITION SUMMARY KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Own the end-to-end product innovation process, from concept development through formulation, testing, and commercialization.

+ Lead formulation and development of starch and starchless gummies, marshmallows, and other confectionery formats (e.g., chews, jellies, pastilles), with capsules and powders a plus, ensuring products are delicious, safe, and consistently manufacturable at scale.

+ Be hands-on in the lab and on the production floor - running trials, troubleshooting batches, and working directly alongside R D and manufacturing teams to solve real-time problems.

+ Serve as a primary technical and strategic point of contact for clients, building strong, trust-based relationships and clearly translating client needs into actionable development plans.

+ Lead product tastings and sensory evaluations, analyzing and recording results in a rigorous, data-driven manner to guide formulation decisions.

+ Collaborate closely with the Regulatory team on formulations and claim substantiation to ensure compliance and marketability.

+ Maintain and continuously build out the branded ingredient and raw material database, researching ingredients based on functional and physical properties.

+ Partner with Quality on new product specifications, change controls, and label initiation forms.

+ Scope and evaluate secondary contract manufacturers to match and scale existing formulations.

+ Forge and maintain relationships with key suppliers and the purchasing team to stay ahead of ingredient, technology, and packaging trends.

+ Guide and mentor junior R D and product development team members as the team scales.

+ Bring a solutions-first, customer-facing mindset to every stage of development - identifying obstacles early and driving practical, timely resolutions.

+ Represent Gummi World's innovation capabilities in client and prospect meetings, building confidence and long-term partnerships.

+ Contribute to innovation, troubleshooting, and brainstorming for future platform growth in key consumer need-states.

+ Maintain professional and technical expertise through regulatory training, industry publications, professional networks, and relevant societies.

+ Support broader company growth initiatives, acting as a strategic partner to Business Development and executive leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

+ Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from a 4-year accredited institution in Food Science, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field; advanced degree a plus. + 8+ years of experience in R D, Product Development, Manufacturing, and/or Quality Assurance within the food and/or supplement industry, including experience operating at a senior or leadership level.

+ Advanced, hands-on knowledge of confectionery formulation - starch and starchless gummies required; marshmallows and other confectionery formats (e.g., chews, jellies, pastilles) strongly preferred; capsules and powders a plus - with a proven track record developing clean-label, delicious products at commercial scale.

+ Demonstrated experience leading or building a product development function, including mentoring team members and establishing scalable processes.

+ Strong, demonstrated customer-facing experience - comfortable presenting to clients, understanding their needs, and translating those needs into technical solutions.

+ High emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal skills; able to build trust quickly with clients, suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams.

+ Strong analytical, written, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex technical information and multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

+ Industry-leading understanding of ingredient functionality, product evaluation, health and nutrition, food manufacturing processes, microbiology, and quality assurance principles.

+ Demonstrated technical sales experience with a wide range of clients preferred.

+ A genuinely hands-on, solutions-oriented approach - willing to be in the lab, on the floor, and in front of the client as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

+ Full-time, in-person role based at Gummi World's Chandler, AZ facility.

+ Regular time split between lab/R D space, production floor, and office/administrative work.

+ Frequent client-facing interactions, including in-person meetings, tastings, and presentations.

+ Some travel may be required to support client visits, supplier meetings, or contract manufacturer evaluations.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

+ Gummi World's product pipeline consistently delivers delicious, high-quality, and commercially scalable formulations.

+ Clients see this role as a trusted technical partner who understands their needs and delivers on them.

+ Cross-functional teams - Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, and Business Development - view this role as a collaborative, solutions-first leader.

+ New products move efficiently from concept to commercialization with minimal rework or delay.

+ The product development function matures and scales as Gummi World grows, with clear processes and a strengthening team. Powered by JazzHR To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account