Product Development Specialist

 The Role

The Edibles Product Development Specialist will report to GTI Director of Manufacturing - Edibles. This role will be directly responsible for developing and commercializing cannabis infused Food & Beverage products with a focus on confectionary products ensuring safe, stable, and compliant products. While primary focus will be in Illinois, in this role, product support may be requested across other GTI sites. Product development scope includes innovation, productivity, and brand stewardship; however, this role will focus more on innovation, identifying and leading white space exploration. Green Thumb is growing fast, and you will be tasked with leading the evolving demands of our fast-paced environment. You must have constant curiosity and have an insatiable desire to create and innovate the edible/oral delivery of cannabis.  

Requirements

• Conduct product development work from bench top prototypes through scaled up products and processes for commercialization of new gummy and confectionary product, processes and systems in support of GTI’s objectives.  
• Applies principles of consumer healthcare product development to formulate cannabis infused edibles with delightful sensorial characteristics 
• Within given timelines, executes bench top formulations of new confectionary samples. 
• Supports pilot-scale validations to define manufacturing-scale processes. 
• Identify potential innovation spaces for GTI Business Teams to consider and execute prototype development from benchtop through scale-up.  
• Lead the continuous improvement process for production of edibles. 
• Conduct bench design and production scale pilot development.   
• Effectively communicate key results from bench and pilot scale trials to leadership and cross functional teams.  
• Collaborate frequently with a cross-functional team, including but not limited to, project managers, product developers, brand managers, and manufacturing personnel from concept through commercialization of products, ensuring excellent communication.  
• Test and advance new research and development procedures & techniques.  
• Accurately maintain Kitchen notebook and generate all required product documentation, including product specifications, formulation sheets, and SOPs.   
• Follow all safety requirements, i.e. GMP, PPE, etc.  
• Provide support to Edibles team as needed.   
• Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications 

• BS in Science, Engineering, or related STEM discipline such as food science, chemistry, biology, chemical and mechanical engineering, etc is preferred.   
• Experience with infused confectionary product development and have acquired gummy development expertise, also knowledgeable and experienced in infused chocolate, taffy, tablets, etc.  
• Preference with experience in innovating and commercializing confectionary products for the Cannabis industry.  
• Experienced in cannabis food and beverage production and knowledgeable of cannabis market trends in FL. 
• Comfortable and experienced in innovating and exploring new spaces and bringing ideas to life via tangible prototypes in the cannabis industry.  
• Ability to plan, design experiments, and problem solve.  
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects.   
• Capability of troubleshooting, fixing, and services a wide range of equipment and software without assistance.  
• Knowledge of lab best practices and GMP.  
• Advanced math skills.  
• Must be detail oriented with superior organizational skills.   
• Must be able to multi-task and produce results.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with coworkers and management.  
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines for dealing with hazardous chemicals.  
• Understanding & adhering to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they pertain to the industry, safety regulations, local municipal codes and organizational rules, regulations, directives and standard operating procedures.  
• Ability to adapt to change and to find creative solutions to keep projects on track 
• Must be familiar with both lab and manufacturing equipment and processes in confectionary development 

Working Conditions: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.  
• Must be able to repetitively climb ladders and/or stairs and work from elevated platforms.  
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while maintaining focus. 
• Must be able to lift, carry, and balance up to 50 pounds (and up to 100 pounds with assistance) AND must be able to do so with extreme care and caution when working with product. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment 
• Work involves daily exposure to allergens (such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil).  

Safety and Compliance: 

• Be aware of hazards in the workspace. 
• Retain and understand department specific training. 
• Report safety incidents/ concerns and comply with follow-up actions. 
• Be compliant with area safety requirements, state regulations and PPE requirements. 
• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation or other quality and compliance requirements. 
• Perform record keeping accurately and completely as directed by a lead or supervisor. 
• Maintain and calibrate tools, equipment and machinery as directed by a lead or supervisor. 
• Report and escalate safety & quality concerns. 

Additional Requirements:

• Must be at a minimum of 21 years of age. 
• Must possess valid state ID. 
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, state badging requirements to work in the cannabis industry (requires background check and state review)