DescriptionABOUT THE JOBThe Principal Food Scientist, Dairy is a strategic leader who transforms customer insights into innovative, high-quality food solutions. This role drives excellence in product development, formula optimization, cost-efficiency initiatives, and scale-up processes to ensure superior product performance and operational effectiveness.
WHAT YOU'LL DOKey Responsibilities:- Lead Innovation: Anticipate market and customer needs to develop breakthrough products that align with business objectives.
- Drive Technical Excellence: Apply best-in-class methodologies for new product development, formula renovation, and process improvement.
- Mentor & Develop Talent: Collaborate with Senior R&D Managers to strengthen team capabilities through coaching, technical training, and knowledge sharing.
- Strategic Contribution: Support the formulation and execution of short- and long-term goals that accelerate growth and enhance competitive advantage.
- Operational Impact: Champion cost-saving initiatives and scalability strategies to optimize resources without compromising quality.
What We're Looking For:- Proven expertise in food science and product development with a track record of delivering innovative solutions.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills to build high-performing teams.
- Ability to balance creativity with technical rigor and business priorities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
WHAT YOU'LL NEEDEducation/Certification:- Minimum BS in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university.
- Preferred, master's degree or Ph. D. in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university.
Experience:- 7 -10+ years of food research and development experience, with an understanding of food chemistry, food safety, and related regulations. Functional culinary knowledge.
- 4+ years in dairy required
- Ability to ideate alongside and interpret culinary driven concepts. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and experience in interacting with customers.
- Experience in project management and be able to collaborate with project teams and support groups.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):- Food testing concepts and techniques (E)
- Food microbiology (J)
- Sensory analysis (E)
- Benchtop procedures (E)
- Lab equipment operation and maintenance (E)
- Raw materials/product interaction (E)
- Food safety concepts and techniques (E)
- Food regulations (E)
- Culinary acumen (E)
- Food processing equipment and techniques (E)
- Quality assurance concepts and techniques (E)
- Technical problem solving (E)
- Experimental design (E)
Skill and Abilities- Strong Scientific and statistical skills
- Expert problem-solving skills.
- Experience in designing, planning, and executing successful design of experiments (DOE)
- Effectively utilizes the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
- Ability to learn other key PC software, including systems housing technical specifications, ERP reporting, communication/file sharing programs (such as Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, etc...). and shared project management tools.
- Translate culinary direction into feasible formula and process: Should have a broad understanding/familiarity with the culinary function coupled with the ability to transform information from that function into an operationally feasible formula and technical process.
- Experience in method development to measure critical quality properties to achieve sustainable results.
- Act in accordance with GSF's Values and Creed
LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY- Ability to lead through others, direct or indirect
- Develops and mentors others in the department
WHAT YOU'LL GET- People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
- Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
- People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
- Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
- Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.
