Senior Food Scientist

The Senior Food Scientist is responsible for product development from idealization to commercialization, resulting in the launch of new food items and / or maintenance of existing food products in the portfolio. The product category scope of this position includes baked cookies and crackers, frozen breads and doughs, RRTE and RTE pies and cakes, etc. Responsibilities also include plant trials, customer presentations, maintaining the R&D lab and equipment, and interacting with the plant for daily manufacturing needs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

· Manage projects according to needs specified. Act as R&D representative within each Stage and Gate project team and ensure project follow up with the R&D project management tools.

· Develop formulations and processes while taking into account requirements of other functions such as Science/Claims, Regulatory, Quality, Food Safety and Costing.

· Design pilot trials, organize tasting sessions with Sales, Marketing and Operations; draw conclusions and recommendations for next steps.

· Possess strong business acumen to appropriately scope the technical development for each project.

· Lead and collaborate with cross-functional team members in various departments including Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Regulatory.

· Participate in consumer test design, organize sample production and ensure product quality follow up.

· Realize scale up / industrialization with Engineering and Manufacturing departments.

· Collaborate with suppliers to obtain best results for product development (brief suppliers and follow up on their progress).

· Participate as an R&D representative for product launch/start up by preparing all specifications related to product line (except packaging and fruits) and ensure that all documentation needed is available prior to start up.

· Propose and implement productivity/cost savings projects for the organization’s product lines.

· There will be travel involved as some of the work will be done at other J&J sites or the customer’s locations.

· Adhere to all environmental, health and safety requirements and procedures.

· Responsible for food safety and quality.

· Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

· Undergraduate Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Culinary Arts, or other closely related field of study from an accredited institution – equivalent work experience acceptable.

· 5 or more years’ experience in R&D within the food industry, either at a manufacturing facility, corporate headquarters and/or retail bakery.

· Demonstrated success working with a wide variety of customers (e.g. Retail, Food Service, National and Industrial Account Clients, etc.).

· Demonstrated success in project management, monitoring, follow-up and closure.

· Practical laboratory skills gained within degree studies are essential.

· Basic understanding of practical statistics.

· Advanced mathematics knowledge and computer literacy.

· Basic knowledge of nutrition and food regulatory laws.

· General understanding of food processing (formulation, cooking, freezing, portioning, packaging, etc.).

· Good communication skills are essential. Can resolve conflict and provide constructive feedback.

· Problem-solving skills combined with analytical skills and good attention to detail.

· Enthusiasm and self-motivation to function independently, as well as within a team.

· Demonstrated knowledge of culinary arts and snacking trends.

· Strong proactive customer service orientation.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Advanced interpersonal communication skills.

· Demonstrated sound work ethic, honesty and moral character.

· Must be able to walk, sit, stand, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.

· Must be able to work for extended periods in a hot, fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

· Regular and reliable attendance.

· Past bakery experience is highly desired.

Additional Information

· Preferred experience in a bakery environment.

· Approximately 20% /- travel required depending on the project needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Rock Island, IL 61201 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rock Island, IL 61201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person