What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fruit Sourcing and Development Manager position at Chobani?
Fruit Sourcing and Development Manager
Jan 14, 2025
Twin Falls, ID
Our Research and Development department is on the forefront of product development and innovation. It is easy to be dedicated when you’re a part of something much bigger than yourself. We’ve got an insatiable appetite for making a difference.
The ideal Fruit Sourcing and Development Manager candidate will have an integral role in leading the identification, qualification, evaluation, and program management of a Fruit Sourcing Program, while also lending technical support to our growing base business. We are looking for a candidate with a strong food science foundation, and a demonstrated expertise in product innovation, to help Chobani advance its’ mission of making healthy and delicious plant-based foods.
- Lead research and development plans and strategies for excellence in fruit sourcing and utilization.
- Develop new technologies, opportunities and products for fruit varietals, types, seasonal strategies and crop cycles.
- Perform physical, chemical, analytical and sensorial evaluation of product evaluations & conduct shelf-life studies.
- Participate in fruit product integrity projects
- Build on prior knowledge and expertise to improve and modernize product development processes
- Be a leader in Continuous Improvement - SOP & Best Practices development & documentation.
- Lead multiple high complexity projects as assigned by supervisor.
- Communicate project requirements and recommendations as well as status to internal customers and external stake holders
- Manage vendor relations.
- Work safely and use all equipment, lab spaces, desks & analytical spaces responsibly.
- Maintain excellent records / lab notebooks & practice excellent communication.
- Complete all required training courses successfully.
- Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in a scientific field such as Food Science, Food Chemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Processing, Etc. Advanced education (MS or PhD.) is encouraged and welcomed
- 7 years of relevant professional experience and specialization in fruits, crop cycles, varietal management, sourcing strategies and analytical methods to maximize product quality through supply chain.
- Proven track record of leading product development projects including timeline development / management, testing / trials, operational launches and scale
- Familiarity with basic research tools and statistical analysis
- Comfortable with ambiguity and are energized by the process of building something from the ground up
- Innate curiosity for understanding complex food systems from a physical and chemical perspective
- Maintain clean & safe manufacturing environment within all facilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Must be a self-starter able to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects/tasks at any given time
- Ability to travel (30-40%) as needed.
Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at 32 cafes, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything it does. The company’s philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.
For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Chobani is an equal opportunity employer. Chobani will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on any basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military and/or veteran status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Compensation Range: $104,000.00 - $156,000.00, plus bonus.
