About Tropicana Brands Group

Tropicana Brands Group (TBG) represents an exciting fusion of some of the world's most beloved and up-and-coming brands in the juice category, including Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Dole, Copella and Punica. Tropicana Brands Group was established in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo. Our new company blends the best of two worlds: one steeped in industry-leading expertise and the heritage of prestige juice brands, and another rooted in a true entrepreneurial, agile mindset.

With a global footprint of more than 2,000 associates that spans North America and Europe, we are proud of our industry-leading capabilities in areas that include innovation, R&D, manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and nutrition expertise.

Job Description:

TBG’s Regulatory and Nutrition team seeks a highly qualified Sr. PLM Specialist. Responsibilities consist of utilizing TBG’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and collaborating with suppliers to ensure compliance and substantiation for ingredients, formulas, claims and labeling across various beverage brands within TBG’s portfolio. This position offers regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including but not limited to Product Development, Microbiology, Food Safety, Supplier Quality Assurance and Global Procurement.

Key Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility is to leverage internal and external resources to develop new ingredient specifications or update existing ones using PLM systems, ensuring successful qualification of materials for TBG’s brands. These specifications must adhere to regulations, be succinct, and support production groups’ quality requirements for consistent product manufacturing.

Other key responsibilities include:

• Conducting ingredient feasibility assessments for new ingredients to drive innovation, enhance productivity, or improve quality.
• Prioritizing and balancing multiple projects and specification activities, providing technical guidance to efficiently meet development initiatives for innovation and existing brand platforms.
• Assessing, responding to and resolving emerging business-critical issues to prevent material supply shortages, outages and production delays.
• Developing and maintaining effective cross-functional relationships across internal teams and external partners.

As part of an entrepreneurial culture, the ideal candidate will possess an ownership mindset and a focus on the consumer. Comfort with ambiguity, focus on agility, and appropriate risk-taking initiatives are critical competencies. Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills are required.

The position is based in Chicago, IL with three days in office. Typically, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Conveniently located close to Chicago’s Union station in the Old Post Office.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS in Food and Nutrition, Food Science, or Science-related equivalent
• 5 years experience in Research & Development, Product Development or commercial Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA) required, with knowledge of FDA and Health Canada food and beverage regulations
• Experience in food/beverage/ingredient Research & Development function is desirable
• Excellent computer skills and attention to detail with the ability to learn new systems quickly
• Strong sense of urgency and commitment to meet aggressive timelines
• Highly organized individual with strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to interpret and explain complex technical information and achieve workable solutions
• Strong collaborating and influencing skills
• Ability to prioritize workload, balance multiple tasks, conduct calculated risk assessments and work independently
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products, Adobe, SAP-PLM including working in Ingredient and/or Product Specification, Regulatory and/or Product Lifecycle Management software
• English required

Benefits Overview:

TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages. 

TBG offers a 401(k) plan administered through Fidelity which allows you to contribute pre- or post-tax dollars and invest as you choose to save for retirement. TBG makes employer matching contributions to your 401(k) account and will contribute 100% of the first 3% and an additional 50% of the next 2% for a total of a 4% company contribution.