Top 50 Best Workplaces™ 2024

Test Baker, Product Innovation & Development

Reports to: Senior Manager, Innovation and Optimization

Location: Vancouver, BC

Annual Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 based on experience

COBS Bread is looking for a Test Baker, Product Innovation & Development for our Vancouver Support office. This role will be responsible for developing product innovation opportunities and launching new product to the market.

Responsibilities includes:

• Managing the product innovation including conceptualization, design, creation, specification, and evaluation of new concepts/products for targeted markets
• Assist with test baking of new and existing ingredients and provide critical feedback as required by Supply Chain Team
• Manage the in-bakery trial process for new products
• Deliver test baking of product at monthly tastings meeting with Marketing
• Prepare content for all campaign briefs that highlight tips for network on focus products; including photos and videos as required
• Building key relationships with strategic suppliers to source new ingredients and vendors
• Supporting the evaluation of new product launches
• Stay abreast of trends and developments within the industry, channels, and techniques that will keep the brand in the forefront
• Monitor and communicate nutrition research and trends relevant to the category
• Prepare finished products to the highest standards for marketing activities including promotional materials, photoshoots, and customer events
• Assist with national baking competitions; diagnose product issues
• Make recommendations on ingredient substitution and use to the business
• Ensure content on Product page is up to date with current minutes and product information for the network
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

What You Bring to the Table

• 5+ years' proven experience in baking and product development, preferably within the retail, hospitality or manufacturing industries
• Advanced baking skills and understanding of baking techniques
• Extensive experience and passion for development of recipe, flavour, cost, and nutrition
• Knowledge of ingredients functionality, product evaluation,
• Knowledge of health and nutrition, food manufacturing processes, microbiology, quality assurance principles, market research principles
• Red Seal baker or equivalent is an asset
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills along with computer skills (MS Word and Excel)
• Knowledge of Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods and/or Franchising is an asset
• Strong project management skills in overseeing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines with a sense of urgency
• Ability to work flexible schedule depending on the operational needs
• You enjoy a dynamic, fast pace environment

Benefits

What's in it for You:

Not only do we have fresh COBS Bread product delivered daily to our Vancouver Support Office, we offer some pretty sweet perks too!

• Competitive salary and vacation plan, and company bonus plan
• A great Extended Health & Dental Benefits, Group RRSP Matching and Flexible Spending Account
• Paid sick and personal leave days, mental health day
• Paid day for community service/volunteer time
• An open, 'continuous-learning' environment where professional development and career progression is encouraged
• Work within a dynamic, driven, high-achieving, close-knit and fun-loving team
• High level of autonomy and responsibility
• Complimentary self-serve kitchen of fresh produce, deli meats and of course, COBS Bread and treats!

We thank all applicants for their interest in COBS Bread but would like to advise that only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

COBS Bread is growing fast with plans to expand across North America. The company's success can be attributed to the quality of our product, the development of our people and our warm and friendly customer service.

At COBS Bread, you get the growth of a start-up company backed by one of the world's largest bakery franchises. We are part of the world's most successful franchise bakery network – Bakers Delight – an Australian-owned company. Bakers Delight has been in operation since 1980 and has more than 700 bakeries across Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.