What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Scientist (Liquid Product Development) position at Chicago Corporate HQ (Bryn Mawr)?
This role is on-site, based at our Broadview, IL location. Travel is required up to 30%, with the majority being local.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Product Development
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Lead formulation development from concept through commercialization, ensuring products meet customer expectations, sensory, quality, cost, and shelf-life objectives.
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Apply advanced understanding of microbiological stability, water activity, pH control, thermal processing, and preservation systems to ensure product safety and compliance.
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Drive troubleshooting and optimization efforts for formulas, process, and ingredient functionality.
Manufacturing Integration
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Partner closely with operations to scale formulations from bench to plant, ensuring manufacturability and efficiency.
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Demonstrate working knowledge of processing technologies
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Lead plant trials, establish product specifications, and process validation.
Project & Portfolio Leadership
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Take part in cross-functional teams across short- and long-term innovation and commercialization projects. Teams will consist of customer personnel, company personnel and in some cases, competitor personnel.
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Manage multiple concurrent projects with compressed timelines and delivery accountability.
Customer & Commercial Engagement
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Interface directly with customers to understand technical requirements, present solutions, and resolve product challenges.
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Translate customer needs into actionable development strategies and deliver commercially viable outcomes.
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Possess communication skills to support customer presentations with technical commentary and data-back decision making.
People Development & Knowledge Leadership
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Coach and train junior scientists to help contribute personnel development within the R&D organization.
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Promote best practices and continuous improvement within product development and commercialization processes.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
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Minimum 6 years of direct, hands-on R&D experience. Liquid food or beverage development preferred.
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Proven experience scaling products from bench to full manufacturing, including plant trial leadership.
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Direct experience interfacing with customers in a technical capacity (co-development, troubleshooting, presentations).
BENEFITS
At NWF, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits:
- Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision
- Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training, Events
- Emotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
- Financial – 401k, Employee Incentive Plan, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Compensation: $75,000 -$100,000/annually
Salary : $75,000 - $100,000