What are the responsibilities and job description for the Corporate Food Technology Sensory Scientist position at PL Marketing?
Position Summary
Support the Kroger Our Brands and Corporate Food Technology teams by providing guidance on internal sensory panels and protocols. Assist other members of the team by maintaining all sensory panels and related work. Provide leadership and training on sensory software. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently, and accurately.
Essential Job Functions
Minimum Position Qualifications
Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are:
Support the Kroger Our Brands and Corporate Food Technology teams by providing guidance on internal sensory panels and protocols. Assist other members of the team by maintaining all sensory panels and related work. Provide leadership and training on sensory software. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently, and accurately.
Essential Job Functions
- This hybrid position will be required to work in our Corporate Office at least two days per week based on your team’s schedule
- Work with other Sensory team members in coordinating, conducting, and reporting sensory activities for Kroger Our Brands products
- Handle internal panels when Sensory Technician is unavailable
- Assist with surveying and conducting out-of-the ordinary panel situations
- Attend cuttings and assist with home use tests as needed
- Work with outside panel locations on routine panel requests, allowing the manager to work more closely with CFT and Our Brands on product evaluation strategies for innovative categories and products
- Learn, implement, and manage any new features of the sensory software that will benefit the paneling process
- Visit and observe protocols at outside panel locations as needed
- Handle invoices for the entire department, assuming prompt delivery of invoices to Accounting as needed
- Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
Minimum Position Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Statistics, or related fields
- 1-3 years of experience in a food-related position or industry
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Excellent attention to detail with high degree of accuracy and precision
- Demonstrated excellence in communication, project planning, problem solving, and execution
- Proficient in: Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer, and other database systems
- Ability to learn and become proficient in Compusense Sensory Software
- Ability to prioritize and organize responsibilities based on changing and challenging deadlines
- Adaptable to last-minute changes and shifting priorities
- Ability to travel independently, if needed
- 1-3 years of experience in Sensory, Product Development, or CTP food-related position
- Plant experience in Quality Assurance, Technical Service and/or Production
- Must be able to:
- Lift up to 50 pounds on occasion
- Tolerate temperature fluctuations and working in cold areas such as freezers
Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are:
- Adaptability – maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
- Building Strategic Working Relationships – developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
- Building Trust – interacting with Kroger employees, customers and suppliers in a way that gives Kroger Division and Corporate Management confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
- Communication – clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in the English language
- Customer Focus – making Kroger customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with Kroger employees as well as the suppliers that we represent
- Decision Making – identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
- Inclusion – appreciating and leveraging the capabilities, insights and ideas of all individuals; working effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability and motivation for a direct effect on business results
- Initiating Action – taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive; generating innovative solutions in work situations
- Self-Starter – working the majority of the time without direct supervision; prioritizing, organizing and completing workload accurately within allotted time period
- Work Standards – setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed
