About the Job

Hello, potential PriceSmart candidate. We’re on a mission to hire the very best, and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize the greatest contributions to the company can come from anywhere in the organization, and we know that the next one could be yours! We are looking for a Merchandising Product Development Specialist who will support the Buying Other Business team; responsible for the creation, development, and continuous improvement of products for the Prepared Foods and Food Service departments, ensuring the positioning of innovative and competitive products in the market. This position requires strong technical knowledge and culinary skills to develop products that respond to current market trends, comply with food safety standards, and contribute to the expansion of PriceSmart in the region.

What's unique about this job (What you’ll do)

• Design and adjust recipes and processes that can be scaled operationally across all clubs.
• Develop new formulations and prepared foods, including flavors, textures, and presentations in different packaging formats.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and gather consumer feedback to improve products.
• Train and support clubs, promoting collaboration, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of PriceSmart.
• Develop in-and-out programs to enrich the Fresh Kitchen and Prepared Foods categories.
• Promote and maintain a collaborative and effective working relationship between the Purchasing team and club operations, ensuring smooth, results-oriented coordination.
• Oversee proper product execution and performance in the clubs, identifying opportunities for operational improvement and training needs to strengthen local team capabilities.
• Ensure continuous updating and accurate management of recipe technical information, as well as the development and maintenance of materials and visual aids that support standardization and proper implementation across the clubs.

Bring your passion and expertise (Who you are)

• University degree in Gastronomy, Culinary Management, or related fields within the food industry, preferably at a bachelor’s level.
• Proven experience in product development, food innovation, menu and operational process management.
• Additional training in food product development and innovation, formulation, or process improvement.
• Strong knowledge and certifiable training in food safety and hygiene, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP systems.
• Minimum of five years of experience in similar roles, preferably in food production, processing, or standardization environments.
• Service-oriented mindset and proactive attitude, with a strong focus on quality, continuous improvement, and member satisfaction.
• Proficiency in computer tools and enterprise operating systems, including Windows environments and management platforms such as AS400.
• Bilingual: Spanish and English.
• Effective communication skills, teamwork ability, and basic leadership competencies.

Some important intangibles

You feel connected to our mission and values: Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Passion, Community and Continuous Improvement

You are a self-starter who doesn’t need direct supervision to motivate you for success

You enjoy sharing your quirkiness and talents with your coworkers

Enjoy working hard

Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging

The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.

The above description is designed to state the general nature and level of work performed in the function. It is not intended to contain or be construed as an exhaustive inventory of all job duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A complete job description may be made available to you through the hiring process.

Benefits & Perks – We take care of our people

We believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. This is what we can offer for all your hard work:

Beyond competitive pay

Medical, Dental and Vision plans

Employee Assistance Program

Education Assistance Program

401K Contributions

Life Insurance

LTD

PriceSmart Membership Card

Pet Insurance

Calm Meditation App

BenefitsHub for Employee Discounts

Fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday

Employee recognition

Supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth

...and more!

Our Commitment

We not only embrace and celebrate the diversity of our membership base and communities, but also strive to achieve the same in our employees. At PriceSmart, we are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Get to know us

PriceSmart was founded with a purpose: to inspire and impact the lives and businesses of our Members, our employees and our communities through the ethical delivery of the best quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Throughout the years, we have constantly asked ourselves how we can do more and have a greater impact. We want to prove that we are a company that can grow, be profitable and do good in the world, and we have learned that it takes a great organizational culture to achieve that goal.

At PriceSmart, you can look forward to company events, anniversaries celebrating our employees with more than 20, or 30 years of tenure, volunteering and learning opportunities, and just great company filled with curious, kind folks. Dreaming up and sharing ideas aren’t responsibilities reserved for certain teams or leaders; the challenge of building our own culture is on all of our shoulders. That sense of community and belonging keeps us excited to walk through the door everyday, wherever that door may be, in any of our 13 countries.