About the company 

Albertsons Companies is at the forefront of the revolution in retail. With a fixation on raising the bar with innovation and building belonging through our culture, our team is rallying our company around a unique purpose: to create joy around each table and inspire a healthier tomorrow for every community.  

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with over 2,200 stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carr’s, Kings Food Markets, and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. We support our stores with 22 distribution centers and 19 manufacturing plants.  

Bring your flavor 

 Building the future of food and well-being starts with you. Join our team and bring your best self to the table. 

#bringyourflavor

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What you will be doing  
The Own Brands Technical Services team has an opening for a Product Development Technician.  

The Product Development Technician supports our scientists in the development, testing, and improvement of consumer-packaged goods and prepared food items.  

This role involves hands-on laboratory and kitchen work, data collection, sensory evaluation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure the highest quality and efficiency in our product development processes.  

This position is located in Pleasanton, California. 
 
Main responsibilities 

Collect all sample products required to execute a product comparison and/or evaluation, may include procuring at various local retailers or requesting from new and/or existing suppliers.  Ensure all samples are available in a timely manner to align with project timelines.  Breakdown and appropriately dispose of all sample shipment packaging, including ice packs and dry ice.  Confirm all required product specifications and documentation are received with samples, and follow-up with suppliers, as required.  Coordinate all product evaluations by scheduling people, reserving rooms/kitchens, and staging & plating products under the direction of the lead product development scientist.  Prepare food samples according to preparation instructions, and the ability to taste all food product types (no/minimal food aversions), all under supervision of lead product development scientists.  Documenting all feedback into formalized evaluation reports, taking photos of sample products as needed, and supporting lead product development scientists to determine next steps.  Disposing of used product samples, and cleaning & sanitizing the evaluation test kitchen area(s) after completing product evaluations.  Juggle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.  Update project trackers, enforce scope and objectives that align with organizational goals.  Escalate project barriers and risk when needed to the lead product development scientist.   Keep all project stakeholders updated through constant communication regarding evaluation timing, status, results and next steps.  Maintain inventory tracking databases to manage and organize the product samples.   Support needs multiple projects in various stages simultaneously.  Document results of product evaluations for review by the lead product development scientist and any subsequent communication to the project stakeholders.   Execute product sample testing, as directed by the lead product development scientist (ex: pH, viscosity, texture analyzer, etc.).   Assist product development scientists on next steps and coordinating outside lab testing.  Deepen partnerships with outside resources, including third-party vendors and researchers.  Ensure cross-functional teams are engaged and collaborating throughout the review process.  Draft and manage stakeholder communications as required by the lead product development scientist.  Deliver project details for handoff to the appropriate implementation team member.   Adhere to all Technical Center SOPs and Albertsons Companies policies.  Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor or lead product development scientist. 

The salary range is $54,600.00 to $70,980.00 annually. Starting salary will vary based on criteria such as location, experience, and qualifications. There may be flexibility for exceptional candidates. 

What we are searching for  
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or other applicable science background.  0-3 years of lab or manufacturing experience.  Intermediate culinary skills and the ability to prepare food samples according to preparation instructions.  Excellent client-facing skills and internal communication skills.  Hands-on experience with managing project trackers and teams.  Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.  Proven success in a corporate setting working with all levels of management.   Proven experience in leading project(s) through to completion based on milestones.  Exceptional organization and tracking skills to manage hundreds of samples for each project.  Self-motivated and able to work autonomously with a sense of urgency and integrity.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.   Proficient in PC skills in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access).  Able to develop strong working relationships through teamwork and transparency.  Ability to influence and motivate others to execute.  Ability to develop materials and present updates, both verbal and written to Own Brands leadership.  The ability to lift up to 40 pounds. 

What is it like at Albertsons?  

Our 290,000 associates have a passion for great service and building lasting relationships with our customers. Through a companywide focus on innovation, we are continually enhancing our digital and product offerings, making it easy for customers to get what they need, wherever they are. 

Albertsons is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

This Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Consistent with applicable state and local law, the Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.    

We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 1-888-255-2269(option #4).