JM Smucker Company

Senior Scientist, Product Development for Sweet Baked Snacks

JM Smucker Company • $90K — $120K *
Akron, OH 44312In-Person
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
6 days ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field
  • 7+ years in product development or R&D in food or consumer packaged goods
  • Proven experience from concept to launch of products
  • Strong experimental design and data analysis skills
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively
  • In-depth knowledge of food formulation and safety standards
  • Strong communication skills for diverse audiences

Responsibilities

  • Lead product development for Sweet Baked Snacks from concept to commercialization
  • Collaborate across teams to innovate and drive product growth
  • Develop product formulations meeting various regulatory and financial needs
  • Execute product development activities in lab and manufacturing settings
  • Analyze technical data and provide actionable insights
  • Support commercialization teams for successful launches
  • Mentor and develop early-career scientists in the field

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement with significant in-office presence
  • Opportunity for travel up to 30%
  • Engagement in cross-functional collaboration
  • Potential for impactful work on snack brand development
  • Professional growth through mentorship opportunities
  • Ability to work on innovative product development projects
Full Job Description
Your Opportunity as the Senior Scientist, Product Development Sweet Baked Snacks

Leverage your technical leadership, creativity, and execution to help deliver the next generation of beloved snack brands. Lead hands-on product development and formulation work-designing experiments, analyzing results, and delivering insights that shape products from concept to launch. As a recognized product expert, you'll influence project direction, collaborate across functions, and bring ideas to life through work in the lab, pilot plant, manufacturing sites, and with consumers.

Location: Orrville, OH

Work Arrangements: Hybrid, 60% or more in office presence as business need requires and travel up to 30%

In this role you will:
  • Serve as the technical leader, subject matter expert, and product advocate for the Sweet Baked Snacks portfolio.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Insights, Product Research, Packaging, Sales, Engineering, and Operations to develop innovative products and technologies that drive growth.
  • Independently design and develop products based on consumer insights, business objectives, and project learning plans.
  • Formulate products that meet consumer, nutritional, operational, regulatory, and financial requirements.
  • Design and execute product development activities from concept through commercialization, including benchtop, pilot plant, and manufacturing scale-up.
  • Analyze and interpret technical data, translating findings into clear recommendations for stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • Partner across R&D and the broader organization to integrate ideas, leverage expertise, and advance project objectives.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including specifications, reports, project updates, data analyses, and laboratory records.
  • Provide technical leadership and support to commercialization teams to ensure successful product launches.
  • Identify and evaluate regulatory, environmental, and intellectual property opportunities and risks, including patent development and strategy.
  • Drive innovation, product optimization, cost savings, and problem-solving initiatives across the portfolio.
  • Mentor and develop early-career scientists, fostering technical growth and capability building.

What We Are Looking For:

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Bakery Science, or a related science, engineering, or technology discipline
  • 7+ years of product development, formulation, or R&D experience within the food, beverage, bakery, or consumer packaged goods industry
  • Experience developing and commercializing products from concept through scale-up and launch.
  • Experience designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and influence decisions across cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Operations, Engineering, Packaging, and Sales.
  • Deep knowledge of food formulation including food safety, nutrition, shelf-life management, and interaction with process and packaging.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Ability to travel up to 30% (travel frequency dependent on product launch pipeline).


Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:
  • Advanced degree in food science or bakery science
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements, product claims, intellectual property, and patent opportunities.
  • Experience leading pilot plant and manufacturing trials and supporting product launches.
  • Experience working in bakery science
  • Culinary experience


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About JM Smucker Company

J.M. Smucker Company manufactures and supplies spreads, warm beverages, sweeteners, condiments, decorating syrups, and milk products.

JM Smucker Company Careers

There has never been a more exciting time to explore the job opportunities at JM Smucker Company, a leader in the food industry known for its strong values and commitment to quality. As we continue to grow, we invite you to join our team of professionals, where innovation and leadership thrive. Work You’ll Do Join JM Smucker Company’s dynamic team to help drive growth and innovation in one of the most respected companies in the food sector. At JM Smucker, we are dedicated to transforming our business while upholding our unique culture of integrity and responsibility. Lead in a Unique Market Position At JM Smucker Company, you will find yourself at the crossroads of consumer needs and cutting-edge solutions. With a focus on diversity and professional development, we empower our employees to lead and innovate within the industry. Engage with a Skilled Team of Professionals Collaborate with over 7,000 dedicated employees who bring their skills and passion to our teams every day. At JM Smucker, we believe in nurturing talent through comprehensive training and development programs, ensuring that every team member can achieve their career goals. Introducing the JM Smucker Leadership and Innovation Initiative We are committed to fostering leadership and innovation across all levels of our company. This initiative is designed to support our employees in mastering their professional journey through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. Do Innovative Work Be part of a company that is as committed to innovation as it is to producing high-quality products. At JM Smucker Company, you will work on projects that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible in the food industry. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that values teamwork, leadership, and diversity. Our teams are made up of individuals from various backgrounds, working together to achieve common goals and drive success in the industry. Future-Proof Your Career With JM Smucker Company, your career is in good hands. We offer a variety of job opportunities, from internships to full-time positions, each accompanied by competitive benefits and the chance for growth. Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your career, JM Smucker provides the resources and support to help you succeed. Explore Discover how our commitment to innovation leads to superior products and services: [Explore Our Innovations] Read more about how our teams are pioneering new techniques and flavors in the food industry. The JM Smucker Company Difference Our commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity sets us apart in the food industry. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to their growth and development. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always looking for passionate, creative, and driven individuals to join our team. [SEARCH JM SMUCKER JOBS] Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. [READ CAREERS BLOG] Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at JM Smucker Company. [SUBSCRIBE FOR JOB ALERTS]
Learn more about JM Smucker Company
Size
14,000 employees
Market Cap
$16.9 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$955.6 million
Founded
1897
5 Year Trend
+1.6%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
* Ladders Estimates

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