Senior Product Development Scientist

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Job Summary:

The Senior Product Development Scientist will provide technical leadership to ensure the safety and quality of all company products. This role will oversee and lead a team, managing and guiding them to meet quality standards. The analyst will collaborate closely with the Kroger Food Technician team to approve products and supplier plants, ensuring compliance with packaging legal requirements. Additionally, the position will monitor the quality of procured products, making sure they meet company standards.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Quality Assurance
• Regulatory Compliance
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Vendor Management
• Data Analytics
  
  

Core Functions

• Leadership & Team Management
• Oversee and lead a team of 3-5 associates managing projects and workflows.
• Provide leadership in resolving product quality issues, working with Kroger Our Brands and Retail.
• Train and collaborate with Kroger Corporate Food Technology (CFT) personnel to serve as potential backup.
• Direct activities of lab technical staff as needed.
• Supervise staff to help to ensure audits are planned and executed properly.
• Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
• Approve procured products and the plants that produce them.
• Perform pilot plant development work and conduct plant trials of new products and processes.
• Monitor the quality of procured products and address any quality issues, working with the Kroger recall coordinator.
• Follow regulatory and technological changes that may affect the food industry.
• Ensure compliance with labeling regulations (nutrition, ingredients, COOL, warnings, etc.) and update product information as necessary.
• Review and proofread product label proofs to ensure compliance with NLEA Regulations in collaboration with the Kroger CFT Regulatory group.
• Prepare and maintain finished product specification documents.
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Vendor Management
• Work with the Kroger CFT Sensory group to organize panels and coordinate product sample delivery and preparation.
• Stay updated on changes in targets by collaborating with vendors and Corporate Brands.
• Analyze customer feedback and resolve issues with vendors.
• Manage multiple projects for multiple customers effectively and simultaneously.
• Coordinate with dietitians at the Kroger Call Center to ensure customer questions are properly researched and addressed.
• Other Duties
• Respond in a timely manner to internal and external correspondence via email and phone.
• Manage daily tasks efficiently, meeting deadlines and handling multiple projects for different customers.
• Travel to visit and inspect vendor plants and attend professional meetings.
• Ad hoc reporting as required.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience food/bakery/dairy science or related scientific field
• 5 years of experience with multiple food and/or non-food categories.
• 5 – 10 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or product development.
  
  

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated excellence in managing teams, project planning, problem solving and execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate ability with the Microsoft Office Suite and other similar programs.
• Ability to be able to operate autonomously, with strong personal drive for results.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to write clear and concise correspondence.
• Ability to accurately exchange information.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
  
  

Work Environment

• Duties are typically performed in an indoor, office environment.
• Noise levels – typically low to moderate.
• Some travel required.
  
  

Benefits and Additional Compensation Statement: At Empire Marketing Strategies, we prioritize the well-being and support of our team members by offering comprehensive benefits packages tailored to different employment types:

• Full-Time Associates: Eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, a retirement program, mental health support, paid time off, and 9 paid holidays annually.
• Part-Time Associates: Eligible for our retirement program and access to mental health support resources.