Natural Product Specialist
Etz Hayim owns and operates the brands Cycling Frog and Lazarus Naturals, as well as a sprawling operation that spans from farming over 300 acres of hemp, extraction, chemical processing, packaging and warehousing to support both brands and private label customers.
Lazarus Naturals was founded in 2016 to provide safe and accessible CBD products for everyone who would benefit from them, regardless of their financial situation and ability to pay, which is why we provide a 60% Assistance Program to veterans and people with disabilities or low incomes. In order to maintain an affordable price point and our commitment to accessibility for all, we have built a vertically integrated business model, which allows us to walk our talk of developing quality, affordable products - from product inception, development, seed, farming, extraction, finished production formulation and packaging, and distribution.
Cycling Frog is normalizing the consumption of casual use THC products. We are on a mission to make THC convenient, affordable, and fun by making a sessionable THC beverage the same price as a beer or soda. We want to change the way THC is consumed and viewed by our society by focusing on lower potency, ready to drink beverages that can easily fit into anyone’s lifestyle. Under the Federal Farm Bill it is legal to sell these low potency THC products across all 50 states via the internet, and anywhere you can grab a beer.
This role will be based in Portland, OR.
Reports To: Senior Manager, Product Portfolio
Summary: We are seeking a strategic and research-driven Natural Product Specialist to help drive innovation in the food, beverage, and dietary supplements industry and support the product development process. This role will support product ideation, ensure scientific integrity behind health claims, and translate complex research into consumer-ready content.
Job Duties
- Lead conceptualization and development of product design for new dietary supplement products.
- Review, evaluate and interpret scientific literature for product health claims/benefits, dosing specifications, and best ingredient forms. Ensuring functional products contain efficacious ingredients at scientifically backed inclusion levels, based on active ingredient profiles and corresponding research that directly supports consumer-facing functional claims.
- Translate technical research documents supporting active ingredient functionality into customer facing literature and assets, including labeling, blogs, product pages, point-of-purchase, etc, that can clearly explain in common language how products are scientifically backed to support certain functionalities.
- Collaborate and share insights with R&D to develop and document functional ingredient specifications and outline product specification standards
- Lead sourcing efforts of new and existing active ingredients in partnership with R&D and Purchasing. Vet new suppliers for raw materials, ensuring that ingredients meet the specifications required to support making functional claims, factoring in the cost, quality, flavor, and vendor reliability to support our product goals and standards.
- Prepare reports to display how the product specifications and functional inclusion levels compare to market and consumer trends.
- Conduct research and prepare reports on market and customer trends.
- Prepare research on customer feedback to help support how the portfolio should be expanded or changed to best serve our customers and offer better, more competitive products as it relates to functionality.
- Champion the research-informed product vision and strategy, ensuring product design is consistent with business strategy and product quality standards.
- Proactively research the CBD/cannabis industry, natural medicine industry and other parallel industries for product differentiation opportunities, category growth and unique value.
- Proactively stay informed on new developments and research in natural medicine and cannabis.
- Ensure product claims are met and validated on an ongoing basis.
- Collaborate with PLM/Brand/Sales/Marketing teams to ensure intended product uses are clearly communicated and product positioning aligns with technical capabilities
Requirements
- 3-7 years of experience in Product, Natural Medicine, Nutrition, or related field
- Bachelor’s degree in a Physical Science discipline (equivalent work experience may be considered)
- Experienced with technical research documentation and interpreting scientific literature, clinical studies, and peer-reviewed research
- Proven ability to translate scientific research into commercial product applications and customer-facing content
- Skilled in preparing documents and presenting ideas and complex concepts to a diverse audience
- Data-driven, with experience doing complex data analytics
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Solutions-oriented, proactively proposing new product ideas and directions
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and adapt to new situations
- Knowledge or experience in the cannabis and/or health & wellness industry
Physical/Functional Requirements
- Ability to perform consistent work on a PC including multiple peripherals (e.g., mouse, keyboard, monitor, headset, etc.).
- Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to interact with others in a way effective for professional collaboration and communication.
- Ability to work in an environment with moderate levels of stress.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays as needed to meet business needs.
- Ability to work independently, take initiatives with projects, and be self-motivated.
- Successful candidates may be subject to a background and/or reference check.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits (medical, vision, and dental insurance, FSA/HSA for eligible plans, life insurance, EAP, and more)
- Five weeks PTO & three paid holidays per year
- Employee discount program
Veterans strongly encouraged to apply.
Etz Hayim Holdings is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
At Etz Hayim Holdings, S.P.C., we are committed to taking proactive measures to leave the world a better place than we found it. Our efforts encompass the prioritization of people and the planet. As such, we are resolved to the following goals for the year 2025 and beyond:
- Reducing our Waste and Practicing Environmental Stewardship
- Giving Back Time to Our Neighbors and Planet
- Sharing Wealth with the Most in Need
- Seeding the World with the Wonders of Hemp Cannabinoids
In order to hold ourselves to account, first and foremost, we will continue to press ourselves to adhere to our already-innate values of social and economic responsibility. Furthermore, to better hold ourselves to environmentally-responsible American enterprises.
