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. This is a “hands-on” position, catalyzing the development
of innovative new products from prototype through product introduction.
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.
