Food Scientist II, Plant Based Food & Beverage

Duration: 6 to 12 months

Job Description:

Position Description (About the Job):

The Food Scientist II is responsible for developing, implementing and launching all projects within a product line that affect production (productivity, renovation, innovation, quality projects) for the plant-based category. This position involves strong interactions with internal cross functional team and external suppliers, hands on bench and analytical work, pilot plant work, managing formula cost and specifications (ingredient and product & process), conducting and coordinating industrial tests in plants, and assisting in industrial launches and management of projects. The candidate must be able to represent R&D interest within the company during all projects.

Responsibilities:

• IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR:
• Independently manages medium technical complexity projects according to stage gate needs
• Managing projects according STAGE GATE PROCESS methodology.
• Act as the R&D driver on product attributes definition vs consumer expectations as well as technical solutions within each program team, develop formulations and processes to deliver on consumer expectations, within project food safety, cost and timing requirements
• Develop formulations and processes while taking into account requirements of other functions such as science/claims, regulatoruy and quality.
• Design pilot trials (DOE), organize tastings sessions with Marketing, and draw conclusions and recommendations for next steps.
• Drive continuous improvement across all areas of the role including systems, established ways of working, and manufacturing procedures
• Participate in consumer test design, organize sample production and ensure product quality follow up.
• Realize scale up / industrialization with Engineering and Manufacturing departments.
• Collaborate with suppliers to obtain best results for product development (brief suppliers and follow up on their progress)
• Participate as an R&D representative for product launch/start up by preparing all specifications related to product line (except packaging) and ensure that all documentation needed is available prior to start up.
• Planning, executing, and managing the development of prototype products in lab, pilot plant and at production facilities. Maintaining strigent technical and experimental documentation.
• Sourcing and maintaining vendor relationships to secure the necessary ingredients that align with prevailing company standards. Evaluating new suppliers and/or ingredients.
• Develop and manage project timelines, ensuring that all project milestones are met.

Candidate Qualifications (About You):

• Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, or closely related field preferred with at least 3 years of relevant progressive experience
• Master’s Degree in Food Science, or closely related field preferred with at least 1 year of relevant progressive experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong technical skills on product formulation, industrial processes, and product-process interactions
• Strong project management/organization and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and able to train staff.
• Proficient in product development systems and general computer skills
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage and track multiple projects
• Passionate about continuous improvement and optimization of ways of working
• Solid technical knowledge of product development lifecycle and manufacturing scale up (bench scale to pilot scale and/or full manufacturing)
• Comfortable and passionate about creating, rapid prototyping, development and commercialization of ideas under tight timelines.

Job Type: Contract

Salary: $45.00 - $48.00 per hour

Work Location: In person