Develop, maintain and achieve product development plans and timelines, including key tasks and milestones to meet project deliverables.
Develop bench top prototypes that meet product concept parameters.
Plan and execute experiments, including analyzing and summarizing results.
Plan and implement consumer tests in conjunction with Consumer Research Manager and marketing.
Schedule monitor and document plant trials and initial plant runs for successful commercialization of new products.
Reformulate products or processes for product improvement, cost reduction or manufacturing efficiency improvements.
Qualify new supplies through evaluation of raw materials to ensure compliance with ingredient specification and finished product quality.
Identify and implement product optimization opportunities to reduce cost and conduct sensory testing.
Work with customers as needed in new product development and reformulations.
Conduct competitive product evaluation and maintain competitive product databases as required.
Maintain awareness of current trends in consumer taste preferences and nutrition.
Keep accurate records of lab work, documentation of ingredients used, formulation modifications.
Maintain knowledge, understanding and adhere to safety policies, USDA, GMP's, QA, HACCP, Sanitation rules and regulations, and company policies.
Regular and dependable attendance and punctuality is an essential function of this position.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:
B.S. or M.S. degree in Food Science with 5 years - 7 years' experience in the food industry or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Basic understanding of ingredient functionality/interactions and sensory evaluation techniques.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects; manage to establish deadlines.
Strong organizational skills and ability to perform with minimal supervision.
Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly with all levels of personnel through verbal, written and electronic modes.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize.
Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
An adept critical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
Ability to holistically analyze opportunities and risk and formulate well-reasoned recommendations for the business.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
