Senior Food Scientist

About This Role

This role involves leading product development from ideation to commercialization for new and existing food products, specializing in baked goods, frozen breads, and RTE/RRTE items. You will manage projects, develop formulations, conduct trials, and collaborate cross-functionally to launch successfully.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects according to specified needs, acting as R&D representative within Stage and Gate project teams
• Develop formulations and processes considering requirements from various functions like Science/Claims, Regulatory, Quality, Food Safety, and Costing
• Design pilot trials, organize tasting sessions with Sales, Marketing, and Operations, and provide recommendations
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional team members in Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Regulatory
• Participate in consumer test design, organize sample production, and ensure product quality follow-up
• Realize scale-up and industrialization with Engineering and Manufacturing departments
• Collaborate with suppliers for product development by briefing and following up on their progress
• Prepare all specifications for product launches (excluding packaging and fruits) and ensure documentation availability
• Propose and implement productivity/cost savings projects for the organization’s product lines
• Adhere to all environmental, health, and safety requirements and procedures

Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Culinary Arts, or closely related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years’ experience in R&D within the food industry
• Demonstrated success working with a wide variety of customers (Retail, Food Service, National/Industrial Accounts)
• Demonstrated success in project management, monitoring, follow-up and closure
• Practical laboratory skills
• Basic understanding of practical statistics
• Advanced mathematics knowledge and computer literacy
• Basic knowledge of nutrition and food regulatory laws
• General understanding of food processing (formulation, cooking, freezing, portioning, packaging)
• Good communication and problem-solving skills
• Enthusiasm and self-motivation to function independently and within a team
• Demonstrated knowledge of culinary arts and snacking trends
• Strong proactive customer service orientation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work for extended periods in a hot, fast-paced food manufacturing environment
• Regular and reliable attendance

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Culinary Arts, or other closely related field of study from an accredited institution – equivalent work experience acceptable.
• 5 or more years’ experience in R&D within the food industry, either at a manufacturing facility, corporate headquarters and/or retail bakery.

Nice to Have

• Past bakery experience
• Experience in a bakery environment

Benefits