Product Development Coordinator

About Dainty Foods USA

Dainty USA has been crafting quality foods for more than 140 years and is a leading North American manufacturer of premium ready-to-heat products. The company operates Canada’s only rice milling facility in Windsor, Ontario, and supports retail, food service, and industrial customers across North America with rice and rice flour solutions. Dainty has invested in world-class retort manufacturing facilities in Windsor, Ontario, and Batavia, Ohio, creating a highly capable ready-to-heat production network. Its expertise includes recipe development, product innovation, commercialization, packaging, food safety, and high-volume manufacturing for both branded and private label partners. Today, Dainty collaborates with retailers, food brands, and food service companies of all sizes to deliver high-quality rice, pasta, grains, legumes, and complete meal solutions in convenient retort pouch formats.

Position Summary

The Product Developer plays a key role in supporting new product development and launch activities across Dainty USA and our co-packing partners. This position requires close collaboration with customer technical teams, cross-functional departments, and suppliers to bring new food products from concept to commercialization.

When the Product Developer is absent, their responsibilities will be overseen by the Product Development Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine prototype formulations for customer review and approval.
• Prepare product samples and prototypes for internal and customer evaluations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (QA, QC, Food Safety, Accounting, Sales) to ensure seamless scale-up from prototype to production.
• Provide detailed formulation and cost information for P&L creation and product setup.
• Monitor market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activity to identify innovation opportunities.
• Partner with QA, QC, and Food Safety teams to ensure compliance with food safety parameters, HACCP requirements, and relevant certifications (e.g., kosher, NON-GMO, gluten-free).
• Vet potential new suppliers and raw materials in collaboration with QA for final approval.
• Support the first production run to confirm successful scale-up and troubleshoot as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation including formulations, timelines, and project trackers.
• Coordinate pre-trial, post-trial, and first production meetings.
• Assist with customer presentations, artwork reviews, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Set up and monitor internal and external shelf-life studies.
• Supervise and mentor co-op students, including selection, guidance, and feedback to academic institutions.
• Foster strong partnerships across internal and external teams with a collaborative mindset.
• Maintain a clean and organized lab and workspace, supporting overall team hygiene standards.
• Demonstrate flexibility for varying work hours during product trials or first production runs.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related scientific field.

Experience & Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of food labeling legislation (nutritional and packaging).
• Experience in a food manufacturing or development environment is an asset.

Work Environment

This role involves both office and laboratory settings, with periodic work on the production floor during trials and first runs. Standard safety and sanitation practices apply.

Our Values

At Dainty USA, our values guide everything we do.

• Customer First, Always
• Quality Without Compromise
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• One Team, Many Voices
• Celebrate the Everyday
• Driven by Curiosity, Guided by Passion

Dainty USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person