Senior Food Scientist – Product Developer

Job Title: Senior Food Scientist – Product Developer 

Company Overview   

JPG Resources bridges the gap between ideas and market success in the food & beverage industry. Unlike traditional consultants who stop at strategy, we understand that execution is where most brands falter. More than just a consulting firm, we are a diverse team of over 75 food & beverage industry veterans and seasoned founders who know how to get it done for both disruptive startups and the most trusted global CPG brands. 

As one of North America's largest food consulting firms, we've built a comprehensive ecosystem for food & beverage brands including culinary and product innovation (@CuliNEX), contract manufacturing (@Snackwerks), investor connections (@Brandjectory), and direct investment through our $20M food & beverage fund (@RCV Frontline). 

As part of the product development team, you’ll find meaningful work alongside people who care deeply about collaboration, innovation, and making great food.  

About the Role 

We’re looking for a hands-on product developer with 7-10 years of experience who can integrate technical depth and creative problem solving. You’ll lead formulation and scale-up work across a range of innovation-stage and growth-phase brands and global CPG brands, translating ambitious concepts into technically sound, manufacturable products. 

This is a senior role for someone who brings not just technical rigor, but the curiosity and presence to help mentor and develop skills with teammates and collaborate across disciplines while leveraging your technical expertise.  

The ideal candidate is self-led and can guide their work independently as well as work closely with JPG’s leadership, contribute to cross-functional strategy, and help shape the future of food from concept to shelf.

If you’re energized by fast-paced challenges, enjoy mentoring, and want to join a team that balances technical detail with global reach, we encourage you to apply. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead product development across a range of client-facing projects, applying structured design of experiments (DoE) from benchtop through scale-up. 
• Collaborate closely with the leadership team to align on priorities, direction, and technical execution. 
• Lead scale-up and commercialization trials, working directly with manufacturing partners to ensure product integrity and feasibility. 
• Work cross-functionally with Project Managers as well as Strategy, Marketing, and Operations teams to move concepts toward commercialization. 
• Interpret product briefs and creative concepts into practical, thoroughly documented prototypes. Ability to work autonomously to achieve trial-ready outcomes is essential. 
• Coordinate stability tastings and sensory analysis, lead tasting sessions, and share clear takeaways with cross-functional teams. 
• Mentor early-career product developers and interns by offering technical guidance and developmental support. 
• Practice active listening; internalize client vision, interpret what’s not explicitly stated, and translate it into formulation strategy. 
• Support knowledge sharing, documentation, and internal team alignment on process and formulation best practices. 

Desired Expertise 

• Hands-on experience scaling from benchtop to pilot and commercial runs, including troubleshooting during factory trials. 
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA), ingredient declarations, and Nutrition Facts Panel development. 
• Experience collaborating with QA/RA and commercialization teams for formulation lock and tech transfer. 
• Familiarity with nutritional optimization (macros, label claims, fortification strategies). 
• Deep experience across more than one category of development. Priority given to experience with emulsion systems, protein chemistry, fiber integration, flavor development, or natural color reformulation. 

Qualifications 

• 7–10 years of experience in product development, preferably in consulting, brand, or ingredient roles. 
• Proven technical experience in formulation, prototyping, and scale-up. Emphasis on experience with commercial trial runs. 
• Ability to work independently and lead multiple development workstreams. 
• Sharp communication skills with the presence to engage directly with clients. 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science or a related field required. 
• A passion for food. You must love making, building, and enjoying it. 

Location and Compensation 

This role is based in Battle Creek, MI. As the hub of JPG Resources, our Battle Creek office and development lab offer a unique opportunity to collaborate with developers and lab techs as well as engage with senior leadership and be part of the energy that drives our innovation culture. To maximize this collaboration, 3 days per week of onsite work in Battle Creek is preferred. 

Though the role is designed as a full-time position, we are open to discussing consulting arrangements with the right candidate. Candidates who bring strong senior-level expertise and are interested in a consulting structure are encouraged to apply and explore potential fit. 

JPG Resources offers a competitive compensation package, including a standard suite of benefits; final compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.