Product Development Director jobs in Columbus, GA

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.  

We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them.  This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table?  

Position Description

The PD Lab Technician will maintain vital functions of the lab such as cleanliness and organization, restocking of materials and diligently manage project list. They will also support developers and other lab personnel along with understand and execute basic Product Development lab practices, technical responsibilities and standard operating procedure.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a safe, clean and organized lab environment in accordance with GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Develop familiarity in proper use of lab instrumentation including microthermics, homogenizer, HTP processor and analytical devices.
• Complete sample requests in a timely manner with proper execution from referencing SharePoint specifications to generating the lab formula, beverage creation, bottling, logging, labeling and linking information into lab database and communicating shipping information. Also, be proficient in uploading all supporting documents to SPeED/ACE databases.
• Properly test specs and maintain lab inventory of juices, flavors, packaging, Carbonated water and materials. Show initiative and ownership in communicating with suppliers and supporting departments for material requests.
• Develop knowledge in relevant use of ERP software (SAP), product development testing methods and technical competencies according to SOPs.
• Support developers and other lab personnel in various development projects and all lab functions.
• Learn to communicate with and support all customers both internal and external.
• Understand and support shelf-life practices including ring study, light stability testing and sensory evaluations.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, develop and perfect PD lab methods and practices. This includes maintaining all applicable documentation and records – sample log, specification logs, ACE, shipping documents and other tracking initiatives.
• Take ownership of projects. Take initiative in asking questions and collecting information to complete tasks.
• Have an aptitude for mathematical calculations.
• Communicate professionally with honest and constructive feedback. Confidently share ideas and solutions.
• Be consistent in information awareness by thoroughly reading emails and regularly referencing SharePoint and Weekly Action Plan.
• Embody the 5 Refresco values by demonstrating responsibility, entrepreneurship, agility, excellence and passion.
• Fosters teamwork, especially through providing assistance to fellow lab personnel.
• Have the ability to notice, interpret and anticipate others concerns and feelings.
• Demonstrate focus on desired result of self or team and drive to meet goals.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or related discipline.

 Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to push and/or pull up to 10 pounds.
• Must be able to continuously stand and/or walk for extended periods of time on concrete surface.
• Ability to repeatedly kneel, bend, crouch, reach and/or stoop throughout the shift as needed to successfully perform job duties.
• Climate: This position requires the incumbent to have the ability to work in ambient hot and/or cold seasonal environments.

A Career with Refresco  

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include:  

• Medical/dental/vision insurance   
• Life insurance   
• 401(k) savings plan with company match  
• Paid holidays and vacation   
• Well-being benefits  
• Discount programs  

Join Refresco TODAY and enjoy a rewarding CAREER!  

Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages, Inc.  Refresco Beverages, Inc. will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.

Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages, Inc.,  and have been engaged in a search shall submit résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.