Director of Research & Development

Who We Are

Reed Food Technology/Tastemaker Foods is a family-owned food manufacturing company with two locations in central and north Mississippi. Our sauce plant, Reed Food Technology in Pearl MS, produces a wide range of sauces for retail, commercial, and industrial customers, including some of the best-known names in the world of competitive BBQ. Our dry-blending facility, Tastemaker Foods in Hernando MS, produces batters, breaders, baking mixes, and dry seasoning blends for customers of all sizes. Thanks to our unique combination of size and family-ownership, we offer the familiarity and warmth of a mom-and-pop operation, with world-class production capabilities.

What We Are Looking For

The Research & Development Lab is the creative nexus of Reed Food Technology, responsible not only for product development, but also problem-solving for both QA and Production. We are seeking a strong leader to take the helm of this highly cross-connected department. The lab is comprised of a diverse team of food scientists and lab technicians who ideate, formulate, and test samples in support of leads generated by our sales force. The R&D Lab also assists our QA and Production departments in troubleshooting and rectifying issues that arise during the manufacturing process. The best candidates will have a strong background in food manufacturing, with an understanding of foundational principles of microbiology. The role requires a fast learner who requires little training, and is a confident decision maker. We anticipate applicants who comprehensively meet our very specific expectations, as outlined below.

What We Offer

In addition to competitive salary, RFT offers a full comprehensive health insurance plan, including dental and vision coverage. We also offer a 401K plan with company match.

Essential Job Functions & Requirements

• Strong leadership experience, with a proven talent for fostering and developing and R&D team.
• Ensure balanced distribution of workload, and successful completion of projects while contributing to a positive, innovation-forward lab atmosphere.
• Ability to multi-task, managing responsibilities across the full spectrum of RFT operations.
• Deep knowledge of hydrocolloid and starch systems as used in emulsified sauces
• Ability to communicate field-specific technical knowledge to non-technical associates
• Function as a communication hub for R&D, production, sales, and senior management.
• Strong collaborative skills and teamwork acumen.
• Understanding of analytical metrics of food products, and the impact of pH, Brix, acidity, salt, water activity, and viscosity in determining storage conditions and shelf life of products.
• Ability to utilize analytical data collected from off-the-shelf sauces and seasonings in order to mimic flavor profiles as part of the product development process
• Knowledge of HACCP and GFSI-based food safety and quality systems. PCQI certification is a plus.
• Experience with industry-standard batter/breading procedures, including the ability to test samples at laboratory scale.
• Knowledge of industrial food production equipment, machinery, and processes; eagerness to provide insight and suggestions for optimization thereof.
• Troubleshoot production problems, and provide insight on rework of out-of-spec products
• Broad knowledge of the food industry supply chain with experience in ingredient sourcing.
• Conduct experiments to validate new ingredients, processes, equipment, and technologies
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, and regularly lift/carry upwards of 50 lbs.

Education/Experience/Skills

• Bachelors of Science in Food Science or related field, preference given for advanced degrees
• Minimum 5 years’ experience leading and managing product development
• Strong analytical aptitude, mathematical ability, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills and self-assurance
• Intimate knowledge of food microbiology and food chemistry
• Experience in food safety and QA programs such as SQF, HAACP/HARPC, GMP standards, etc
• Ability to function as part of a dynamic team.

Schedule

• Our R&D team works Monday through Friday, with weekend requirements as needed.

Compensation

• COE
• Immigration aid can be considered for extremely well qualified individuals