The R&D Scientist II will directly support the Sr. Manager Innovation M&B. This role involves supporting the ideation and development of horizon 1 and 2 innovation for brands across the Meals and Beverages division, focusing on new product designs from concept to final design. The successful candidate will be able to translate consumer insights into clear food design, including leveraging scientific principles as well as experimental design, clear management and communication of results to project teams. The research work involves, but is not limited to, new processing technologies, new ingredients, thorough understanding of current shelf-stable processing technologies and procedures, and consumer testing and validation.

The individual will be responsible for the coordination and execution of product development with minimal supervision. They must possess a strong knowledge base of technical principles, thermal processing, and experimentation with creative problem-solving skills; to design new products that maximize value for both the company and the customer. This involves conducting market research, identifying customer needs, and translating these insights into innovative product solutions. 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.

This position will report directly to Sr. Manager of R&D.

What you will do...

60% - With minimal supervision, develop and manage technical timelines and activities for multiple product development projects. Work with the technical and business teams to identify and build product concepts against new products and/or platforms and establish project objectives. Work with Marketing, CCID, and Commercialization Planning to define key milestones and specific R&D activities and timing which includes contingency planning. 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. 30% - 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.

Leveraging vendor capabilities, where appropriate, to expand formulation possibilities, research new ingredients, product technologies, and/or processes to develop unique and innovative products to increase speed to market. Additionally, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data, predict trends.

Demonstrate innovative mindset, command of innovation process, thought leadership, business strategy & creative problem solving. Lead awareness of industry developments and pursue ingredients, product or technology advances for application to new and innovative product initiatives.

With guidance, determine the root cause problem and execute effectively on solutions. 10% - Establish and maintain shelf-life studies for assigned projects and lead competitive benchmarking and Mind the Gap studies.

Who you will work with...

• Project management & prioritization of projects, balancing multiple project initiatives simultaneously and being flexible to changing directions.
• The individual must be able to deal with ambiguity, seek creative solutions, adapt to change and persevere. It also requires the ability to identify critical path items and risks and effectively communicate these to both the business team and management.
• Knowledge of experiment design, ingredient functionality and food systems
• This individual must be able to

1) Work closely with Procurement on ingredient supply & costing,

2) Effectively partner with PR&D, Engineering and Operations to identify, define, and commission new ingredient handling and/or blending equipment,

3) Leverage internal and external expertise in resolving technical challenges.

4) Collaborate with Marketing Growth Office, Marketing and R&D Brand Leads, Sales, Consumer Insights.

• Projects may include working with co-packers, which will require effective communication skills and the ability to quickly adapt CSC formulas to their equipment/systems.
• Proficient technical R&D expertise with strong understanding of scale up/manufacturing
• Knowledge of financial 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.
• Demonstrate flexibility and agility to react rapidly to changes in project scope.

What you bring to the table (must haves)...

• Minimum BS in Food Science or related field
• 4+ years' experience in product development. Master's degree in food science or related field preferred (including internships and co-ops).

It would be great to have (nice to haves)...

• Experience in developing and commercializing shelf-stable products/processes in manufacturing environment
• Work effectively in team environment, support groups and function effectively
• Communicate and influence effectively both verbally and in writing with cross-functional teams and R&D management.
• Computer skills, including basic fluency in Microsoft Office, database, and internet tools.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable driving decisions, with ability to delegate tasks to contractors, technicians and/or co-ops as appropriate, and provide training and feedback as necessary.
• Strong planning, organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and persevere on projects with less definition.
• Highly effective team-player, willing to contribute within a wide variety of areas.

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.