Leads and administers the sensory program, including sensory panel design, shelf life testing, analytical evaluations, and other various tests. Prepare results and reports from testing. Oversees sensory lab, can standard program, retain program, and sample inventory management. Supports the entire R&D team in creating and analyzing/reviewing documentation related to ingredients and finished goods.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Sensory Program Administration

• Leads and administers the sensory program, including determining sensory panel design, shelf life testing, determination of shelf life, appropriate testing protocol and all of sensory operations.
• Organize daily sensory testing and sensory panels
• Enter data into business systems, e.g. Compusense, Excel, PCM, SalesForce
• Maintain organization of can standards, retains, and other samples
• Analyze products for study or shelf-life data collection, utilizing specialized laboratory instrument
• Lead sensory training for the innovation center as well as application manufacturing sites, including development of training modules, structure of sensory training and conducting the training
• Monitor inventory and purchase supplies for the sensory lab area
• Track paneling credit for non-R&D panelists, account for redemptions, and request gift card disbursement.
• Coordinate sample and document shipments to key sensory customers
• Evaluate and disposition can standard candidates via sensory and analytical methods and maintain associated records for standards
• Prepare and interpret results and author reports as needed

Documentation Creation and Review:

• Create and review documents such as Product information Bulletins, Certificates of Analysis, Product labels, Manufacturing Instructions, Product Inspection Plans (testing requirements), etc.
• Setting up new raw materials in all applicable systems
• Reviewing customer and external specifications
• Generate and design documents, technical and other documentation related to sample collection and R&D workflows
• Draft documentation for new product development, keeping abreast of product development activities, the need for additional revisions, corrections and monitoring through finalization
• Facilitate and track document routing through the quality/regulatory approval processes, in partnership with scientists
• Support the standardization and streamlining of documents and documentation in coordination with R&D

Production of Applications and Formulations

• Produce and create application formulations as assigned
• Perform basic and advanced lab testing as required
• Produce ingredient formulations as assigned
• Maintain a working proficiency with PCM, SAP, SalesForce, Label system, Regulatory and Quality systems
• Safely operate lab and pilot plant equipment related to: spray drying, dry blending, enzyme modification/paste/concentrate, fermentation, natural flavors, core powders, nutritional powders concentrated liquids, core liquids, cheese, butterfat and end use applications
• Develop and produce pilot manufacturing instructions and processes
• Safely operate Pilot Plant Spray Dryer, including sanitation of the dryer equipment

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Participate in clean up schedules for Lab, Pilot Plant, Cooler and Freezer with the assistance of Product Development, Applications, and Innovation Scientists
• Comply with all required safety procedures and utilize required personal protective equipment for all tasks.
• Maintain GMP’s throughout the facility

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Actively contribute to continued improvement of laboratory and pilot plant systems
• Participate in sensory panels
• Data entry
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment
• Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, GLP
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned