How you will make history here...The R&D Scientist I will be executing projects across the Thermal/Frozen Soup & Broth, Italian, and Everyday Pantry Essentials (Specialty, Pace, Beverage) portfolios including but not limited to, new processing technologies, new ingredients, business continuity, margin innovation thorough understanding of current shelf-stable processing technologies and procedures, and consumer testing and validation. The scope of the job encompasses the entire Product Development process from idea conception through plant commercialization.
The individual in this role will work with minimal supervision to execute these objectives and must possess an excellent knowledge base of technical principles, thermal processing, and experimentation with creative problem-solving skills. In addition to the cross-functional R&D teams, this position requires partnering with Marketing, CCID, Supply Chain, Quality, Packaging, Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations throughout the development and commercialization process.
In this role, you will report to the R&D Manager, M&B Product Development.
What you will do...- With minimal supervision, develop and manage technical timelines and activities for multiple product development projects.
- Work with Marketing, CCID, and Commercialization Planning to define key milestones and specific R&D activities and timing.
- Lead product development projects from concept to commercialization based on product design criteria and consumer insights.
- Work with Process R&D and Engineering to define ingredient handling & blending equipment requirements and set up production trials accordingly.
- Lead trials in pilot plant and manufacturing locations, including co-packers, to assess feasibility and define finished product specifications that meet consumers' expectations.
- Establish and maintain shelf-life studies for assigned projects and lead competitive benchmarking and Mind the Gap studies.
- Proactively apply scientific knowledge and/ or technical skills to business issues/ opportunities.
- Incorporate consumer test results into formulation of prototypes. Develop prototypes which deliver against business objectives, including cost and nutritional targets.
- Perform analysis, testing, and experiments to develop and/or improve products and processes. Identify and communicate potential product constraints or risks and problem solve for solutions. Lead the preparation of and provide sound technical guidance, proposals, and recommendations.
- Work with Marketing and Consumer Insights to identify and build concepts against new products and/or platforms.
- Demonstrate innovative mindset, command of innovation process, thought leadership, business strategy & creative problem solving. Lead awareness of industry developments and pursue ingredient, product or technology advances for application to new and innovative product initiatives.
Who you will work with...You will work with the R&D team and cross-functional commercialization partners.
What you bring to the table...- Required Education: Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related field.
- Minimum Experience: 2 years of food product development experience desired (Relevant internships, Co-Op programs, and/or Contractor roles will be counted toward experience requirements).
It would be great if you have...- Experience in developing and commercializing shelf-stable products/processes in manufacturing environment
- Project management & prioritization of projects, balancing multiple project initiatives simultaneously and being flexible to changing directions.
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work with ambiguity and seek creative solutions.
- Ability to synthesize data, interpret, and provide recommendations.
- Work effectively in team environment; communicate and influence effectively both verbally and in writing with cross-functional teams and R&D management.
- Highly capable with lab practices, running & improving test methods, material preparation, and batch assessment.
- Strong planning and organizing skills.
- Basic understanding of consumer testing methodologies.
- Computer skills including basic fluency in Microsoft Office.
- Proficient technical R&D expertise with strong understanding of scale up/manufacturing
- Knowledge of financials and business acumen (P&L's, ingredient costing)
- Ability to translate food design from consumer learning (sensory testing, insights, focus groups, etc.)
- Strong Communication skills to partner with many cross-functional partners.
Compensation and Benefits:The target base salary range for this full-time, salaried position is between
$75,800-$104,200
Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.
