Innovation Scientist

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

With deep roots in origin countries and close relationships with farmers, we help deliver quality, traceability, transparency, and resilient supply chains. By combining sourcing expertise, market knowledge, innovation, and technical capabilities, we create value for customers while driving positive impact for people and the planet.

Together, ofi employees advance our Purpose: to be the change for good food and a healthy future.

Position Summary:

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues –employees are expected to work their specific work schedule on site at their ofi location.

Reporting to the Sr. Innovation Manager for Cocoa ingredients, the Innovation Scientistwill be responsible for product development and innovation activities from bench top to scale-up of formulations primarily focused on the cocoa portfolio. This position will work closely with sales, marketing, and various other teams to provide best-in-class customer solutions. Additionally, the role will interact closely with ofi development and culinary teams to support customer projects. The position will be customer facing, which includes customer calls, presentations, and visits.

The ideal candidate for this position will have the ability to work with multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. They will need to be able to work effectively in a team environment across multiple projects, customers, teams, as well as be a strong individual contributor. Ability to handle multiple competing demands, while ensuring deadlines are met, will be critical to the success of this position.

What You’ll Do - Position Responsibilities:

• Manage the ingredient and product matching and approval process for customers.
• Independently interact with customers as a technical expert in cocoa ingredients.
• Become an expert in cocoa ingredients and their functionality in various applications (bakery, confectionary, beverage, snacks etc.)..
• Support the applications and launch of novel ingredients.
• Engage in group interaction with various ofi teams to provide solutions for customer projects and support other ofi developments.
• Assist the sales and marketing team by supporting customer engagement initiatives.
• Engage in new customer acquisition opportunities such as market research, walking trade shows and networking with new customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience You’ll Bring – Role Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Technology, Food Engineering or a related field and 4+years of relevant product development, formulation and/or ingredients research or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience should include working with the product development ingredient applications, and scale-up trials.
• Strong understanding of general sensory testing, including its application to product development, is required.
• Experience with cocoa and confectionery products is preferred.
• Experience serving as customer facing technical expert is preferred.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and handling multiple priorities.
• Ability to understand customer’s needs and translate into solutioning approach.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written are required. Must have the ability to communicate complex technical processes and projects in clear terms.
• Ability to listen carefully and problem solve rapidly is required.
• Ability create to deliver excellent presentations to both virtual and in-person audiences is required.
• Strong computer skills are required.  Previous experience in the following systems is desirable: Microsoft office, SAP, CRM, Genesis, etc.
• This role may require up to 20% travel to other worksite locations, suppliers, customers, or business events.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. Build a Rewarding Career at ofi!   

The pay for this role ranges from $74,000 - $90,000annually and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.  

Performance-based BonusesDiscretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact, for eligible roles. 

Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future. 

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family. 

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees. 

Additional Perks That Make a Difference: 

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure. 
• Paid Sick Leave –   Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi. 
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments. 
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program. 
• Career Growth and Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities. 

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: 

US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.