Food Scientist - Meat Snacks - Military veterans preferred

Conagra Brands has the most energized, highest-impact culture in food. Our people persistently challenge and disrupt marketplace/business conventions and we are respected for our great brands, great food, great margins and consistent results. Conagra Brands, be part of building something BIG.
Position Summary:
Under limited supervision researches, gathers data, develops preliminary findings and prepares written reports for the development of new meat products beginning at conception through successful commercialization. Contributes to the creation, maintenance, and review of integrated recipes for new or existing items that include: specifications, materials, formulas, equipment, quality and process information for R&D, plant, co-packers and suppliers. Develops project timelines, creates technical proposals, reports and makes recommendations. Execute research to establish specifications and process requirements for meat items using knowledge of the properties of both meat products and finished consumer products, namely:
An in-depth knowledge of the attributes of the meat product manufactured;
Knowledge of raw material components, their variability, and synergistic effects on finished product;
Knowledge of those product attributes that vary during production;
Knowledge of the relationship between production variability and consumer acceptance
Identification of the tolerable limits (levels/intensities) of product variability, in each attribute, which provide expected consumer acceptance and allow Conagra Supply Chain to be efficient in manufacturing; and
Knowledge of competitive set for meat snacks category
Development and commercialization of meat items, working within and outside of Conagra plants, to meet specifications established above.
Position Responsibilities:
Develop new Meat Snack products beginning at the concept phase through successful commercialization
Knowledge of raw material components, their variability, and synergistic effects on finished product;
Design and conduct plant trials and new product start-ups
Plan, prioritize, and complete tasks effectively and efficiently
Creates product development schedules that are required to meet project timelines
Maintain accurate and complete records
Work with pilot plant equipment
Develop finished product and manufacturing process specifications using SAP, Oracle, and other programs as needed.
Design and execute experiments and prepare results for review
Conceptualize and develop new Meat Snack products prototypes
Manages individual tasks and works under limited supervision
Drive product cuttings, plant trials, and testing
Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work area, including the cleaning of equipment, utensils and work surfaces
Effectively communicates complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences within the business organization.
Maintains excellent understanding and application of experimental design, performance specs, and the various technical tools used in product development.
Potential to manage food technologists
Collaborate with cross functional team including processing, marketing, finance, packaging and brand design, procurement, and manufacturing.
Cultivates and fosters relationships with external partners and resources.
Knowledge of competitive set for meat snacks category
Exhibits a high level of professionalism and positively contributes to the image of Conagra Brands in technical community.
Position Requirements:
BS in Food Science or related field, meat science or animal science preferred. MS preferred.
Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience, preference towards experience in meat development.
Experience in product development or related field at a food company required.
Exhibit leadership and proactive attitudes in approaching technical solutions to business and market issues
Ability to independently manage project work.
Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Demonstrate ability to communicate well and to effectively influence and interact with others to accomplish research goals
Great presentation skills, both oral and written
Proficient with Microsoft Office software
Problem solving skills
Great relationship skills, both internally and externally, to achieve strong partnership and collaboration
Demonstrated project management skills
Requires knowledge in food product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, process design, product scale-up, plant testing and commercialization
Good understanding of food industry standards of quality and foods safety, and FDA regulations.
Experience with government regulatory requirements in the processing of food.
Physical Requirements:
Work in and around cramped/confined spaces
Climbing to various heights via stairs or ladders
Exposure to manufacturing environments for periodic extended work days to include: loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions.
Use of tools, equipment, and machinery
Driving a company or rental vehicle for up to 6 hours as needed
May travel up to 40% of time. Must be able to travel independently and as a responsible CAG representative.
Exposure to food tasting and smells including all food allergens
Disclaimer
This position description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
#LI-BP1
SF-GD
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law.