Food Scientist/Bakery Scientist

Position: Food Scientist/Bakery Scientist 

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Address: Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide strategic leadership and depth of knowledge in food technology regarding product technical services and product quality maintenance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Corporate Food Technology in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR). Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Evaluate and recommend new processes, programs, equipment and technologies appropriate to Kroger manufacturing, distribution, quality assurance or retailing
• Lead internal and external teams as a subject matter expert to develop and improve new and existing product processes while containing costs and maintaining or improving product quality
• Oversee activities and projects with both internal manufacturing plants and external contracted manufacturers for food and non-food consumer products; follow regulatory and technological changes that may affect the food industry
• Provide leadership to manufacturing operations to troubleshoot product and/or processing problems and find solutions
• Work with plant teams in resolving differences in manufacturing processes between multiple operation locations that will improve the quality and costs of products and increase efficiencies
• Demonstrate excellence in project planning and execution through best use of resources to shorten the time to project completion
• Perform pilot plant development work and conduct plant trials of new products and processes
• Reformulate products as prudent to reduce ingredient and manufacturing costs while maintaining and/or improving product quality
• Provide technical assistance related to testing techniques and quality assurance procedures for plants
• Prepare and maintain material specification documents
• Audit plant batching operations and analyze consumer comments; audit products for quality and manage audit follow-up projects to improve quality
• Train and mentor Corporate Food Technology Product Development Specialists
• Work with Sensory Manager to organize and coordinate consumer panels
• Review product label proofs to ensure compliance with all labeling and claim regulations
• Travel as required for execution of essential job duties
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties, complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in food science, dairy science/bakery science or related field
• 5 years progressive technical food industry experience
• Any experience in product development or plant production for complex/high-risk product categories
• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Excellent oral/written communication skills

DESIRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• 5 years of experience in product development, technical service or plant production with multiple food and/or non-food categories
• Proven team leadership skills
• POTENTIAL CAREER PATH FROM THIS POSITION
• Corp Food Technology Manager, Product Development

BEHAVIORS AND SKILLS

PUTS THE CUSTOMER FIRST:

• Anticipates customer needs, champions for the customer, acts with customers in mind, exceeds customers expectations, gains customers trust and respect.

COMMUNICATES EFFECTIVELY AND CANDIDLY:

• Communicates clearly and directly, approachable, relates well to others, engages people and helps them understand change, provides and seeks feedback, articulates clearly, actively listens.

ACHIEVES RESULTS THROUGH TEAMWORK:

• Is open to diverse ideas, works inclusively and collaboratively, holds self and others accountable, involves others to accomplish individual and team goals.
• LEADS THROUGH POSITIVE INFLUENCE:
• Demonstrates strong character; builds partnerships; models a conscious balance between work and personal life; takes personal responsibility for own development; role models leadership qualities such as motivation, inspiration, passion and trust.

COACHES AND DEVELOPS OTHERS:

• Develops and cares about associates, builds effective teams, helps people be their best, values and manages diversity, provides candid and constructive feedback.
• LEADS CHANGE AND INNOVATION:
• Challenges the status quo, embraces technology, puts forward creative ideas, champions and implements process improvements, gathers the ideas of others, demonstrates good judgment about which ideas will work.

EXECUTES WITH EXCELLENCE:

• Is action oriented, drives for results, sets clear expectations and milestones, reviews progress, acts decisively, solves problems, can be counted on to consistently meet or exceed goals.
• PROVIDES CLEAR AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION:
• Plans and organizes well, sets a clear and simple course of action, stays focused on the most important priorities, has the ability to visualize and plan for the future, understands the industry and marketplace.
• SAFETY AWARENESS:
• Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards.