Position Overview

As a key member of the Research and Development team, the Senior Food Technologist will assume an integral role in supporting the execution of new product launches from concept to commercialization. The Senior Food Technologist will have primary day-to-day responsibility for supporting sales and marketing through sample creation, conducting research for product innovation, and supporting R&D commercialization efforts at production locations. This will encompass measuring inputs, understanding the intricacies of the recipes, safeguarding the recipes, cooking products, and maintaining a safe and sanitary workplace. Ideal candidates will have formal education in food science or culinary experience, be detail-oriented, have strong organization skills, be skilled communicators, and love crafting fine chocolate products. 

Essential Functions

• Assists in monitoring ingredient inventory levels and reordering raw materials, as necessary.
• Provide input on bench top formulations that balance product function, flavor, cost of goods, and manufacturing capabilities to produce the best possible product.
• Aid in plant trials to determine feasibility.
• Support ongoing continuous improvement of production at plants.
• Assist with development of production procedures.
• Adhere strictly to product specifications and maintain product specification database.
• Assist in product quality improvement projects.
• Perform shelf-life testing to validate shelf life.
• Assist with sales samples of new products.
• Work closely with marketing and sales as well as with customers to develop and promote new products.
• Work Safety – Ensures that all tasks and functions of position are always performed in a safe manner and that all procedures and requirements are properly followed to accomplish assigned tasks.

• Food Safety/Quality – Responsible for food safety and quality as well as reporting food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, engineering, or related field strongly preferred
• Chocolate tempering and/or caramel cooking experience preferred.
• Ability to manage projects, plan and coordinate project activities, communicate progress and challenges, and be a technical expert.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, performance environment – often with limited or ambiguous direction.
• Must have some flexibility to work beyond normal workday hours, shift work, and some weekends.
• Must be willing to travel ~ 25% between headquarters in Pittsburgh and production locations across the country.
• Must be willing to relocate to headquarters in Pittsburgh.
• Extreme awareness of how to keep confidential and sensitive information.
• Capacity to remain calm under pressure and to set an example of focused leadership.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning, prioritizing, organization, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to manage independently in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and bonus plan based on business performance. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Retirement savings plan with company match and limited relocation for the right candidate.

About Promise Confections

At Promise Confections, we take immense pride in being an award-winning manufacturer of everyday chocolate and confectionery products. Our commitment is to continually challenge the norms of traditional confectionery, pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional experiences. Comprising Edward Marc Brands, Seattle Gourmet Foods, Pearson’s Candy Co., and Annabelle Candy Co., we boast a diverse range of capabilities including panning, enrobing, extruding, clusters, barks, brittles, gummies and breath mint/sour candy tableting. With our extensive reach, servicing major retailers and offering private label and contract manufacturing services, we stand as emerging industry disrupter's in confectionery. Check out our brands by visiting: promiseconfections.com