Job Purpose
Function as a subject matter expert and independently lead product development projects from concept through commercialization for products and/or pipeline innovation. Develop and test formulas and processes for new products, quality improvements, and cost reductions.
Essential Functions
Product development and commercialization to be focused on dry mix used in cakes, brownies, donuts, muffins, loaf cakes, and brownies.
Product development and commercialization to be focused on the finished baked goods: cake/cupcake layers, donuts, muffins and brownies.
Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory/pilot plant/plant methodology or create new methodology, ensuring all experiments meet FDA food manufacturing guidelines; keep accurate and detailed records and documentation on lab work and data analysis
Interpret experiment results and translate them into actionable recommendations and business solutions
Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of plant trials and product validations for new products and reformulations, concentrating on the science of formulation and ingredients
Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization, serving as a technical lead on cross-functional teams and effectively managing time to deliver projects on time and in full
React to and support planning against opportunities such as regulatory landscape changes, consumer trends, and product changes due to customer needs
Lead and guide basic research programs to expand capabilities, working with Marketing to explore trends and connections between consumer needs
Develop new ways to solve technical challenges
Expand strong cross-functional relationships with Marketing, Operations, Engineering, Quality, etc., leveraging those partnerships to innovate, resolve concerns, and meet timelines
Continue to build a technology network and knowledge base, utilizing relationships with ingredient and equipment vendors to influence technical and business decisions
Support effective decision-making through independent weighing of favorable and unfavorable factors along with contingency plan development, seeking perspectives from others while conducting analysis; review and finalize contingency plans with management
Serve as a technical mentor and subject matter expert to colleagues and management on various product categories, raw materials, and processes
Maintain ingredient inventory and lot code tracking
Work with internal resources to quickly communicate needed information for recalls
Safely operate, clean, and maintain labware and equipment used for testing, adhering to sanitation requirements in the handling and preparation of food products
Create and review product, ingredient, and process specifications to support all project work using the Specification system
Bring innovative ideas to support strategic plans and enable R&D to apply this knowledge to assigned projects; stay aware of key competitive trends across multiple focus areas
Lead the evaluation of Rise product performance versus competitors
Oversee the work of interns, technicians/technologists, and associate scientists, providing guidance and assigning daily activities
Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products
Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)
Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field; Master’s degree preferred
5+ years of R&D product development experience in the food and/or beverage industry
Need to have a high level of understanding around flours, starches and leavening systems.
Need to have experience around commercialization of dry mix products.
Expert knowledge of food ingredient functionality, product formulations, and modification techniques
Expert knowledge of all stages of the product development life cycle and product development methodologies
Experience preferred working with various industrial oven types and setting oven profiles for various baked goods
Experience solving quality issues in baked good coupled with an understanding of industrial baking processes: mixing, depositing, baking, cooling, packing, and shelf life.
Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing equipment, their processes, and capabilities
Strong passion for science, creative thinking, and product development
Excellent cross-functional and peer relationship building skills
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office programs: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Detail oriented with superior problem-solving and analytical skills
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, organize and prioritize, show flexibility, and multi-task to execute simultaneous projects and activities to meet objectives and deadlines
Ability to thrive in a fast-moving and constantly evolving high-growth environment