This Principal Food Scientist role is a technical leadership position within the Easy Eats business growth unit, focusing on complex product development and commercialization initiatives across the Dough category. The Principal Scientist provides strategic technical expertise, drives innovation, influences business decisions, and delivers new products, line extensions, product improvements, and manufacturing solutions. This position may serve as an individual contributor or have direct supervisory responsibilities, including the leadership, coaching, and development of technical team members.
Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership and influence strategic business decisions through the application of deep scientific and product development expertise
Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in multiple technical disciplines, both internally and externally
Apply advanced technical knowledge to solve complex product, process, and manufacturing challenges
Leverage understanding of product requirements, ingredient functionality, processing technologies, and equipment capabilities to drive effective solutions across the business
Translate complex technical concepts into clear business recommendations for leadership, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders
Support customer engagements and sales initiatives by communicating product benefits, differentiators, and technical capabilities
Lead the end-to-end development and commercialization of new products, line extensions, product improvements, and technical service initiatives
Independently manage technical project execution from concept development through bench-top experimentation, pilot plant validation, scale-up, and full commercial implementation
Ensure all development activities align with project objectives, consumer expectations, operational capabilities, and business requirements
Drive execution of highly complex technical projects while partnering with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, and other functional teams
Apply experimental design, formulation science, and analytical methodologies to optimize product performance and manufacturing success
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive activities, and ingredient innovations to identify growth opportunities and maintain technical leadership
Initiate and lead research programs that drive formulation optimization, processing improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies
Identify root causes of recurring technical issues and lead cross-functional efforts to develop sustainable corrective and preventive solutions
Evaluate and implement innovative technologies and processes that improve product quality, performance, and business results
Promote a culture of continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, best practices, and technical advancement
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Provide technical coaching, mentoring, and guidance to scientists and product developers across the R&D organization
Build organizational technical capability by sharing expertise in formulation, experimental design, processing technologies, and problem-solving methodologies
Foster technical excellence by providing both depth and breadth of knowledge to project teams
Develop cross-functional relationships that enhance collaboration and accelerate project execution
Continuously expand personal expertise and cross-divisional technological knowledge to support broader organizational needs
Lead and influence cross-functional teams to deliver business-critical projects on time and within scope
Build strong partnerships with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure successful project outcomes
Balance technical, operational, financial, and customer requirements while guiding project decisions
Drive accountability and alignment among stakeholders throughout the innovation and commercialization process
Effectively communicate project status, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to leadership and business partners
Requirements
Minimum of 10 years of experience in food product development, food science, or related technical roles within the food industry
Advanced knowledge of food formulation, ingredient functionality, processing technologies, and product development principles
Strong technical leadership across multiple product and technology platforms
Expertise in experimental design, root cause analysis, and scientific problem-solving methodologies
Broad understanding of ingredient interactions and processing impacts on product performance
Proven ability to influence without authority and lead through technical expertise
Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities with a passion for developing others
Excellent project management and cross-functional leadership skills
Effective communicator with strong written, verbal, and presentation abilities
Self-directed, resourceful, and capable of independently driving results in a fast-paced environment
Nice to have:
Experience in grains processing, dough systems, baking technology, and related manufacturing processes
Benefits
Competitive compensation and benefits program with no waiting period – eligible from the first day
401(k) program with 5% employer match and 100% vesting as soon as enrolled
Comprehensive paid time off opportunities, including immediate access to four weeks of vacation, five sick days, parental leave and 11 company holidays (including two floating holidays)
Leaders who are invested in supporting accelerated career growth
Paid training, tuition reimbursement and a robust educational platform – DevelopU – with more than 10,000 free courses
An inclusive working environment where you can build meaningful work relationships with a diverse group of professionals
Opportunities to build on a team-oriented culture, such as joining one of the Employee Resource Groups
Access to wellness and employee assistance programs
About the Company
TreeHouse Foods is a leading manufacturer of private label packaged foods and beverages, operating a network of over 20 production facilities and several corporate offices across the United States and Canada. Named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes Magazine, the company is committed to excellence and driven by integrity, accountability, and a commitment to exceptional results.
