Marketing & Category Development

For the purpose of clarity, NatureFresh Farms Sales Inc. and NatureFresh Farms Inc. shall be referred to as NatureFresh.

At NatureFresh Farms, we are continuously looking to innovate, develop and design an environment that fosters energy, education, equality and inspiration.  We grow not only plants but also people by empowering and promoting advancement.  With this focus, we have created a competitive advantage both with our produce and our people.

Job Description

The Packaging Development Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of new packaging development. Researching with new and existing suppliers to develop unique and sustainable packaging that will lead towards innovative concepts and designs that differentiates Nature Fresh Farms from the competitive market. Providing direct support to our Sales and Procurement team in new or existing packaging options, costs, and the timeline for development. Overseeing and coordinating new product launch by working with our marketing support teams. Initiate and coordinate all activity with NFF creative teams, Quality Control, Food Safety, through the assigned packaging support committee. Working closely with packaging suppliers to develop custom high-end packaging solutions that not only look premium but also meet internal sustainability standards and ensure safe delivery of our products to customers. The position reports directly to the VP Marketing & Category Development.

Health and Safety

Ensure that safety procedures are always followed. The use of location prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) and supply list listed under Job Specific duties is mandatory.  All Health and Safety policies and procedures established by management must be followed at all times.  All Health and Safety policies and procedures pertaining to this position will be initially trained at orientation, and in refresher training completed annually or as needed. A hardcopy of the Health and Safety policies and procedures Handbook pertaining to NatureFresh is located in the employee break area, in the Human Resources office, or online on the company web for review at any time.  Any non-conformance or inquiries pertaining to health and safety must be brought to the attention of your supervisor and will be dealt with accordingly.

Workplace harassment will not be tolerated from any person in the workplace.  Harassment can arise from a variety of sources, such as customers, clients, employers, supervisors, other workers, intimate partners or family members.  Everyone in the workplace must be dedicated to preventing workplace harassment.  Managers, supervisors, and workers are expected to uphold this policy at all times and will be held accountable by the employer.  For further explanation, please refer to the Employee Handbook or Health and Safety board.

Food Safety

Proper handling and all food safety policies and procedures established by management must be followed at all times.  All food safety policies and procedures pertaining to this position will be initially trained at orientation, and in refresher training completed annually or as needed. A hardcopy of the Food Safety policies and procedures Handbook pertaining to NatureFresh is located in the employee break area, in the Human Resources office, or online on the company web for review at any time.  Any non-conformance or inquiries pertaining to food safety must be brought to the attention of your supervisor and will be dealt with accordingly.

Job Specific Duties

• Along with the Product Development Manager, coordinates the packaging portion of the product development process from beginning to end including sourcing, trial and development, and sample production.
• Works seamlessly with the Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Logistics, and Purchasing teams to meet, translate and evaluate the consumer needs into packaging of the highest quality.
• Coordinates with Sales, Marketing, and third-party companies to meet creative label and packaging requirements to fulfill retailer contracts.
• Provides the necessary item information to Sales and Marketing by reviewing current active and inactive items for comparable pack size, dimensions.
• Generates new product form request and obtains all pertinent product specifications from sales/marketing operations for item descriptions, ingredients, ratios, dimensions, volume estimate, and pack size.
• Research new raw material and packaging requirements when developing new products.
• Requests samples as required and coordinates with the Purchasing department to obtain the necessary packaging.
• Coordinates timely completion of new project development requests.
• Completes documentation for new products to generate samples for approval.
• Arranges sample requests for new products and coordinates the delivery of samples to customers.
• Coordinates shelf-life studies on new packaging/products.
• Creates specification sheets for new packaging.
• Provides status updates to stakeholders to ensure new packaging will meet launch dates.
• Coordinates new item listings with UPC and other relevant data.
• Communicates new item set up internally and externally and arranges for dry runs to inspect/review for errors.
• Present for all first run new item launches to ensure all aspect of quality and packaging requirements are met as set out in product specifications.
• Visit all local facilities to assess supplier and operations performance.
• Schedule visits to Delta to ensure we are consistent with all packaging and overall quality control.
• Responds to internal and external inquiries and problem solves as it relates to packaging requirements.
• Supports Senior Management with the information needed to create the company’s purchasing strategy and budget.
• Attend a minimum of one approved industry trade show events to gain knowledge with trends and new packaging innovations.
• Open to exploring additional training and education, industry related to further personal development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3+ years working in packaging or product coordination experience.
• Previous experience working in greenhouse produce or the food manufacturing industry are definite assets.
• Ability to maintain respectful relationships at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Very high degree of confidentiality and integrity required regarding all aspects of the business.
• Strong customer service orientation with ability to handle customer service situations calmly and professionally.
• Ability to be flexible and quickly re-prioritize and react positively with short notice of changes.
• Ability to work competently with exceptional accuracy in a fast-paced and highly dynamic environment that is challenging and constantly evolving.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to successfully manage tasks and projects independently; strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• High level of proficiency with Office software packages, including Word and Excel.
• Exceptional communication skills, reading, writing, listening and oral communication.
• A valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle are required.
• A valid passport and ability to travel locally and internationally are required.

Working Conditions

• Office setting – walking, sitting, and standing throughout the day.
• Works with a diverse group of people internally and externally.
• Works Monday-Friday, with occasional Saturdays as required. Hours may fluctuate according to business needs. May be required to work after hours as needed.

Physical Requirements

• This role is mostly spent working in an office environment.
• There may be an occasional need for some heavy lifting (when needed).
• Some travel required to different locations within and outside of Canada and locally as needed.

Direct Reports

• This position directly reports to the VP, Marketing & Category Development. In the event of an absence the Product Development Manager should be contacted.