JOB SUMMARY:
Makes
meaningful contributions to R&D and Company objectives by providing
leadership and support for multiple projects with an emphasis on
innovation, new product development, product line extensions,
product/process improvements, quality enhancement and other projects as
assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (other
duties as assigned):
Ø Oversees projects and experiment executions:
· Manages
multiple product development projects from conception to commercialization.
· Develops
new product concepts and prototypes.
· Translates
project objectives into experimental design.
· Provides
experiment/project conclusions, summaries, recommendations and changes to
plan.
· Identifies,
selects and approves new raw materials.
· Specifies
and approves product packaging material, size, labeling and regulatory
requirements.
· Selects
and applies appropriate manufacturing processes and equipment.
· Develops
and implements all product documents, specifications and related technical
and costing information.
·
Assists in the
development and completion of project timelines.
Ø Coordinates plant scale tests:
· Prepares
written outline of test objectives or line test request document.
· Prepares
necessary ingredients for plant scale test.
· Sets
up and conducts meeting with plant representatives.
· Communicates
objectives, special needs, accept/reject criteria to plant representatives.
· Oversees
plant scale tests.
· Responsible
for assuring that the test objectives are met.
· Prepares
written assessment of plant scale test proceedings and results.
· Assist
in process optimization projects and problem resolution with Technical
Services, Operations, Engineering, QA and other departments as assigned.
·
Evaluates and
adjusts product and manufacturing cost parameters to meet operational and
sales objectives.
Ø Technical Support:
· Provides
technical support in identifying and solving product design and
manufacturing issues.
· Coordinates
product presentations for both internal and external customers.
Ø Managerial:
· May
supervise the activities of one or more individuals.
· Provides
effective project leadership.
· Provides skill assessment and
developmental plans for direct reports.
Ø Suppliers and Customers:
· Interface
with customers, suppliers and co-packers, as required, to meet Department
and Company objectives:
o Leads
or supports assigned projects at co-packers.
o Realizes
customer needs by developing new concepts or product improvement
opportunities, prototypes and products.
o Coordinates
raw material sourcing, evaluation and improvement activities with
suppliers.
o
Assists Sales and
Marketing in developing and delivering effective customer presentations and
training.
Ø Travel:
· Ability
to travel up to 50%, or as project load and training may require.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To
perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative
of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Ø Minimum:
· B.S.
Degree in Food Science, plus three (3) years food industry experience in
R&D.
·
M.S. Degree in
Food Science, plus two (2) years food industry experience in R&D.
Ø Preferred:
· B.S.
Degree in Food Science or a food-related science (microbiology, chemistry,
nutrition), plus six (6) years food industry experience in R&D.
· M.S.
Degree in Food Science or a food-related science (microbiology, chemistry,
nutrition), plus four (4) years food industry experience in R&D.
MINIMUM FIELD OF EXPERTISE:
Ø Knowledge:
- Formulas and maintaining
proper R&D documentation.
- Food manufacturing
operations, equipment and production facilities.
- Working knowledge of general
mathematics and scientific weights and measures.
- Working knowledge of food
laws and regulations required, including nutritional facts development
(NLEA), ingredient declarations, develop formulas and maintain proper
R&D documentation.
- Demonstrates thorough
understanding of food manufacturing operations and production
facilities, possesses extensive familiarity with production equipment
and capabilities.
Working
knowledge of the scientific method, experimental design tools and
statistical process control concepts.
