Food Scientist

SunOpta Overview

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN®, Dream®, and West Life™. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary

This role entails assisting in executing SunOpta’s commercial growth plans through the development of new products and adaptation/optimization of existing products to meet the requirements of current and new SunOpta customers. The successful candidate will collaborate with Business Management, FSQ, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to support business needs for innovation, cost improvement and business essential projects. They will ensure delivery of product development and product improvement projects to meet customer and company needs and specifications and provide R&D/Product development subject matter expertise to the cross functional team.

Essential Functions Of The Job

• Communicate, collaborate and provide technical support to Business Management, Sales, FSQ, and Manufacturing.
• Develop products from concept to production to meet customer specifications and needs.
• Responsibilities include product formulation, ingredient sourcing & validation (in cooperation with Procurement), bench top work, and scale up trials across the SunOpta portfolio (plant-based and value-added beverages, barista products, plant- and animal-based broths, BFY fruit snacks).
• Ability to manage and complete multiple product development efforts within specified timelines.
• Develop products within cost parameters as required.
• Execute sensory and shelf-life evaluation as needed on new ingredients and finished products.
• Establish finished product specifications (formula, ingredients, nutrition, allergen labeling) on new products and update as needed.
• Provide product information and technical support to customers.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• 2 years of industry experience in product development with relevant experience in non-dairy or aseptic beverages, highly desirable.
• Knowledge of regulatory, organic, non-GMO and kosher requirements.
• Computer proficiency in Windows based programs including MS Word, Outlook and MS Excel.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• Some manufacturing Experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Genesis Nutritional programs a plus.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills

• Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of Food preparation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and drive excellence.
  
  

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance
  
  

Additional Considerations

• Travel Expectation: Up to 25%.
• This position will be at the SunOpta Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.
  
  

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Approximately; 75% of the work is performed in an office environment. 25% of work may involve being in the agricultural or manufacturing environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED