R&D Specialist

CoreFX Ingredients is a US-based food/beverage ingredient manufacturer which specializes in nourishing and nurturing bodies and minds. Our manufacturing facility is located in Orangeville, IL. Our Innovation Center is located in Evanston, IL.

Our mission is to provide customer and performance inspired, service driven, authentic, innovative ingredient solutions for success. We do this with creativity, clarity, integrity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:  The R&D Specialist participates in all functions of research and development including but not limited to, formulation development, raw material evaluation, technical troubleshooting, packaging testing, and employee training to meet company standards for product quality, production efficiency, and profitability by performing these duties in a timely manner.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Manage projects from customer brief through commercialization
• Complete customer briefs to meet nutritional, cost, and deadline expectations
• Create new ingredient solutions
• Manage and maintain stock of ingredient portfolio
• Troubleshoot and revise formulas when raw material sourcing issues arise
• Manage the sample request program
• Assist with high severity requests and issue escalations as needed
• Perform pilot work for assigned projects (blending, applications, etc.)
• Generate accurate nutritional data and product specifications
• Possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of U.S. Food Labeling Laws and Regulations
• Collaborate with Sales, Production, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Maintenance, and QA colleagues
• Interact directly with customers to develop trusted relationships with key customer stakeholders, internal teams (including sales executives), and executive sponsors
• Salesforce utilization
• Clearly communicate the progress of monthly/quarterly/annual initiatives to both internal and external stakeholders

Travel Periodically; tradeshows, customer visits, and manufacturing plant in Orangeville, IL

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree within Food Science or equivalent
• 2-5 years within product development for food manufacturing
• Working knowledge and experience within lab and/ or pilot plant
• Proven R&D experience, particularly as it relates to food applications of dry ingredients
• Demonstrated ability to create solutions and communicate the solutions to all stakeholders
• Experience in creating client-focused solutions based on customer needs
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time while paying strict attention to detail
• Proven track record of team participation, success and values
• Excellent listening and presentation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Demonstrate spray dryer expertise preferred
• Experience and knowledge of personalized nutrition and wellness markets, related but not limited to functional foods, sports nutrition, diet foods, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, medical foods, gut health, metabolic health

BRC REQUIREMENTS/ RESPONSIBILITIES: Support BRC by maintaining food safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner following prescribed procedures. Report food safety problems to the Production Supervisor or QA Manager. Follow GMP and Prerequisite Programs.

CHARACTER:

A strong role model of the CoreFX values. ACT with Agility, Collaboration, and Transparency.