About This Role
Working with customers and colleagues to develop new products and improve existing ones is the core of this Food Scientist role, which is part of the Research & Development Team. The position is under the direction of the R&D Manager-Westfield.
Responsibilities
- Develop new, innovative product offerings that meet specific needs in all segments of business (industrial, foodservice, and national accounts)
- Plan and organize product development projects from concept through commercialization, including assessing customer requirements, producing test samples, evaluating taste and texture of items, developing product and process specifications, supporting product startups, and coordinating sample shipments
- Develop technical expertise to troubleshoot production challenges through significant immersion in Brakebush manufacturing facilities, suppliers, and co-manufacturers
- Provide technical support to customers, including technical presentations and visits, by becoming a product expert in all product categories
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in food science or related field and minimum two years in food manufacturing
- Experience with protein product development
- Customer-focused approach to product development
- Intermediate approach to experimental design using the Scientific Method
- Ability to appropriately prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, while meeting established deadlines
- Ability to function at a high level in a team-oriented environment
- Talent to develop and deliver succinct, relevant, and professional presentations
- Strong organizational skills; strong verbal and written communication skills
- Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook/other e-mail software
Nice to have:
- Regulatory compliance knowledge, including USDA regulations, HACCP, GMP
- Experience working directly with National Chain Accounts
- In-depth knowledge of methods and equipment used in value-added poultry processing, including the ability to provide technical leadership to production personnel
- Understanding of back-of-house operations in Quick Service Restaurants and Casual Dining
- Familiarity with Child Nutrition equivalences, Product Formulation Statements, and nutritionals
- Understanding of SQF; experience with SAP ERP system and Genesis software for nutritional analysis
Important Details
- Schedule: 1st shift, with occasional additional time during 2nd and 3rd shifts
- Travel: Up to 30%, including customer site visits, Brakebush plants, co-packers, and suppliers
- Supervisory Responsibility: This position will not have any supervisory responsibilities
