POSITION SUMMARY

Provide strategic leadership and depth of knowledge in food technology regarding product technical services and product quality maintenance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Corporate Food Technology in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR). Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Evaluate and recommend new processes, programs, equipment and technologies appropriate to Kroger manufacturing, distribution, quality assurance or retailing
• Lead internal and external teams as a subject matter expert to develop and improve new and existing product processes while containing costs and maintaining or improving product quality
• Oversee activities and projects with both internal manufacturing plants and external contracted manufacturers for food and non-food consumer products; follow regulatory and technological changes that may affect the food industry
• Provide leadership to manufacturing operations to troubleshoot product and/or processing problems and find solutions
• Work with plant teams in resolving differences in manufacturing processes between multiple operation locations that will improve the quality and costs of products and increase efficiencies
• Demonstrate excellence in project planning and execution through best use of resources to shorten the time to project completion
• Perform pilot plant development work and conduct plant trials of new products and processes
• Reformulate products as prudent to reduce ingredient and manufacturing costs while maintaining and/or improving product quality
• Provide technical assistance related to testing techniques and quality assurance procedures for plants
• Prepare and maintain material specification documents
• Audit plant batching operations and analyze consumer comments; audit products for quality and manage audit follow-up projects to improve quality
• Train and mentor Corporate Food Technology Product Development Specialists
• Work with Sensory Manager to organize and coordinate consumer panels
• Review product label proofs to ensure compliance with all labeling and claim regulations
• Travel as required for execution of essential job duties
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties, complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in food science, dairy science/bakery science or related field
• 8+ years progressive technical food industry experience
• Any experience in product development or plant production for complex/high-risk product categories
• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Excellent oral/written communication skills

DESIRED PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• 5+ years of experience in product development, technical service or plant production with multiple food and/or non-food categories
• Proven team leadership skills