Food Innovation and Product Development Scientist II

The Food Innovation and Product Development ScientistII 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:

      Bachelor's degree in food processing required with 3-5 years of experience or a Master's 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

Benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional growth of our employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Continuous learning stipends, including educational budgets and time off for professional development
• Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan
• A culture built on trust, collaboration, and opportunities for growth