Food Scientist II

Job Purpose

Function as a subject matter expert and independently lead product development projects from concept through commercialization for products and/or pipeline innovation. Develop and test formulas and processes for new products, quality improvements, and cost reductions.

Essential Functions

• Product development and commercialization to be focused on dry mix used in cakes, brownies, donuts, muffins, loaf cakes, and brownies.
• Product development and commercialization to be focused on the finished baked goods: cake/cupcake layers, donuts, muffins and brownies.
• Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory/pilot plant/plant methodology or create new methodology, ensuring all experiments meet FDA food manufacturing guidelines; keep accurate and detailed records and documentation on lab work and data analysis
• Interpret experiment results and translate them into actionable recommendations and business solutions
• Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of plant trials and product validations for new products and reformulations, concentrating on the science of formulation and ingredients
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization, serving as a technical lead on cross-functional teams and effectively managing time to deliver projects on time and in full
• React to and support planning against opportunities such as regulatory landscape changes, consumer trends, and product changes due to customer needs
• Lead and guide basic research programs to expand capabilities, working with Marketing to explore trends and connections between consumer needs
• Develop new ways to solve technical challenges
• Expand strong cross-functional relationships with Marketing, Operations, Engineering, Quality, etc., leveraging those partnerships to innovate, resolve concerns, and meet timelines
• Continue to build a technology network and knowledge base, utilizing relationships with ingredient and equipment vendors to influence technical and business decisions
• Support effective decision-making through independent weighing of favorable and unfavorable factors along with contingency plan development, seeking perspectives from others while conducting analysis; review and finalize contingency plans with management
• Serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert to colleagues and management on various product categories, raw materials, and processes
• Maintain ingredient inventory and lot code tracking
• Work with internal resources to quickly communicate needed information for recalls
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain labware and equipment used for testing, adhering to sanitation requirements in the handling and preparation of food products
• Create and review product, ingredient, and process specifications to support all project work using the Specification system
• Bring innovative ideas to support strategic plans and enable R&D to apply this knowledge to assigned projects; stay aware of key competitive trends across multiple focus areas
• Lead the evaluation of Rise product performance versus competitors
• Oversee the work of interns, technicians/technologists, and associate scientists, providing guidance and assigning daily activities
• Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• 5+ years of R&D product development experience in the food and/or beverage industry
• Need to have a high level of understanding around flours, starches and leavening systems.
• Need to have experience around commercialization of dry mix products.
• Expert knowledge of food ingredient functionality, product formulations, and modification techniques
• Expert knowledge of all stages of the product development life cycle and product development methodologies
• Experience preferred working with various industrial oven types and setting oven profiles for various baked goods
• Experience solving quality issues in baked good coupled with an understanding of industrial baking processes: mixing, depositing, baking, cooling, packing, and shelf life.
• Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing equipment, their processes, and capabilities
• Strong passion for science, creative thinking, and product development
• Excellent cross-functional and peer relationship building skills
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office programs: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Detail oriented with superior problem-solving and analytical skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, organize and prioritize, show flexibility, and multi-task to execute simultaneous projects and activities to meet objectives and deadlines
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving and constantly evolving high-growth environment