Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Product Development Technician – Leave Coverage to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry. Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here’s the scoop - Summary

The Product Development Technician – Leave Coverage is a temporary position offering job coverage for up to 12 months.  This is a great opportunity for an associate to get their foot in the door to work with our amazing teams as we strive to make the World’s Best Petfood. Upon the end of the assignment there is the potential for discussing long-term opportunities.

This position will work with the Product Development and Innovation team to ensure the goals of the department are met. This position will be engaged in the investigation of innovation projects and ensure the on-time launches of new products identified for development. Success will include meeting or exceeding product performance goals and meeting timelines of existing projects. 

This position participates in both the oversight and hands-on work in several areas of product development for products and special projects including test runs, performance testing, and developing new technologies for creating biologically appropriate products.

The Product Development Technician works out of our Research and Innovation Building, as well as our Acheson, Alberta kitchens and 3rd party test facilities.

What a typical day looks like

• Coordinating and booking test runs at third party facilities or in-house (as needed).
• Working with the Ingredient Management team to ensure ingredient delivery on time for test runs.
• Planning and executing ingredient mixing in pilot facility.
• Arranging shipping of test run product to and from third party testing facilities.
• Executing test runs.
• Writing technical reports.
• Planning and executing coating of test run product.
• Packaging and shipping material to vendors for testing.
• Working with operations staff to secure in-house products.
• Data entry as required.
• Accurate & efficient planning and management of resources to meet schedules and coordinate departmental functions in the absence of the Managers.
• Demonstration of a high level of understanding of the pet food industry, including attending forums or seminars related to the development of new trends or technologies within the pet food realm.
• Participate in the development of ideas for new product development projects that are in alignment of the Company’s mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstration of knowledge of the Company’s policies and practices regarding health, safety, and the environment, including commitment to personal compliance with same.
• Perform other tasks as required or assigned.
• Occasional travel required.

What you'll bring

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in related field (Food Science, Animal Science, Biology, etc.)
• Ability to lift 25kg/50lb.
• Ability to work in a physical work environment.
• Maintain flexibility with changing priorities.
• Experience in interacting with other individuals always demonstrating diplomacy and professionalism.
• Detail-oriented, with a good ability to review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance to SOPs and GMP.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to identify priorities.
• Uses discretion and judgment in handling confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information.
• Able to work effectively independently or within a group.
• Passion to learn, develop, and implement new technologies and methods.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office programs.
• Ability to attend and/or conduct presentations/meetings.
• PPE may be required for some locations where this position is regularly required to work.
• Some extended hours of work may be required.
• Experience in either food science or food manufacturing is an asset.
• Knowledge of current product is an asset.
• Experience of extrusion and/or freeze dry processing is an asset.

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

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