Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future!

At HP Hood LLC, we celebrate our differences. Our diversity of people, backgrounds, experiences, thoughts and perspectives are fostered to create an inclusive work environment. We are at our best when we respect and value each other – One Team One Company!

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, 401k matches, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more. This position is also eligible for our bonus program.

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Heluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat and more.

Job Summary

As part of the FS&Q Technical Services team, this individual will be responsible for the development, maintenance, and training of programs that will be used to standardize practices at FS&Q Labs across all Hood manufacturing sites. This position will collaborate with R&D, plant FS&Q, and Operations to research, trial, and validate new technology/methods/techniques to improve efficiencies and provide cost savings. 

Essential Duties Responsibilities

• Management of Corporate Lab Programs, including but not limited to: microbial and physicochemical product quality testing methods, lab equipment calibration, maintaining and monitoring lab equipment, monitoring of quality control points (QCPs) through statistical analysis 
• Develop a robust, gold standard quality sensory program utilized at all Hood manufacturing sites 
• Facilitate and maintain lab equipment service and maintenance agreements, including training provided by equipment vendors
• Assist Hood manufacturing sites with troubleshooting of quality lab equipment 
• Recommend 3rd party laboratories for testing that cannot be conducted internally
• Consult on investigations regarding microbial failures, consumer complaints, and product quality defects 
• Collaborate with industry and academia on innovations for product testing equipment and methodology, as well as trials and validations for new testing equipment 
• Collaborate and consult with R&D on new product specifications to ensure process capability at intended Hood site

Education and Experience

• Degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Statistical Engineering, or related disciplines
• 5 years' experience in food and beverage manufacturing and quality assurance, particular experience in lab management and testing method development, or equivalent experience 
• Experience with food manufacturing quality and operation systems. Dairy manufacturing and extended shelf-life/aseptic products preferred, or demonstrated equivalent experience 
• Demonstrated ability to create and facilitate change at all levels of the organization

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of food safety principles and food regulation
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and presentation skills to all levels of individuals (technical to non-technical personnel and customers) 
• Strong quality statistical knowledge, capable of developing robust validiation plans to drive strategic business decisions 
• Strong technical writing skills (i.e. SOPs, guidance documents, etc)
• Proficiency in technical project management 
• Ability to quantify project benefits with financial, quality, and operational metrics 
• Deep understanding of lab method development and lab equipment maintenance 

HP Hood is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Female/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

"VERVRAA Federal Contractor"