The Food Innovation and Product Development Scientist II role is responsible for developing a product from ideation through to retail shelves. Responsibilities of this role include reviewing the initial manufacturability, scale-up, formulation, and launch of products produced by The Fresh Factory. This role works on the innovation and commercialization of new products and the renovation of existing products. This person will report to the R&D and Commercialization Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
Review innovation and line-extension projects at the ideation stage to determine the feasibility of adding a product to the Fresh Factory portfolio.
Provide technical guidance and execute bench development for targeted development initiatives.
Lead new product formulation to achieve desired food quality, nutritional, and safety parameters, and cost targets.
Scale new products to match The Fresh Factory's processing capabilities.
Understand the requirements of strategic ingredients, products, processes, and packages to support the development of new products.
Plan, conduct, and coordinate product development plans and trial plans.
Lead trial runs and sample production of new products.
Coordinate with the production crew to ensure proper understanding of new products
Oversee initial full-scale production of new products.
Other functions involved in the new product launch are not outlined here.
Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in food processing required with 3-5 years of experience or a Masters degree in food processing with up to 2 years of experience
Strong technical knowledge of food science and food safety
Broad understanding of new product innovation from concept to execution
Strong communication and leadership skills
Ability to work as part of a team and work under ambiguity
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel
Previous experience working in a food processing facility
Previous experience managing a team, preferred
Must speak English; Spanish a plus but not required
Highly organized with a high degree of self-motivation.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to read, write, and understand text and instructions
Being able to taste all the food products (unless there is an allergy)
Stands most of the day
Bend/Stoop/Position oneself to move crates of materials
Works in a cold room up to approximately 35% of the time
Must wear Personal Protective Equipment