Location: Hazelwood,MO, USA
The Food Scientist plays a vital role in the Product Development Team and is responsible for product development efforts for all of Nature s Bakery. This includes new products, line extensions, implementing cost savings measures, qualifying suppliers, and improving quality. The role ensures that objectives, product designs, and timelines are met while responding to new demands and challenges and implementing best practices.To achieve results, the Food Scientist must excel in collaboration and demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence decisions within a cross-functional team, including Marketing, Operations, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Process Development, and Procurement, as well as with external partners such as suppliers. They must adopt an organization-first mindset, making strategic decisions with suppliers and internal partners to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, benefiting Nature s Bakery.The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of food science, business, operations, and commercialization processes. They should combine practical knowledge of existing products and new technologies with the innovative creation of unique products. The role involves providing technical specifications and support for smooth rollouts of new products and processes during plant startups and trials, including comprehensive process documentation for seamless commercialization and training of plant personnel. The Food Scientist must foster an environment that encourages innovation and calculated risk-taking.The Food Scientist will report to our Director of Product Development and will be key member of the Central Product Development team, serving three bakeries and any expanded enterprise footprint. The position is based in our flagship St. Louis metro area bakery where the R&D lab is located and will require periodic domestic and possibly international travel.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.Develop new products from ideation to commercialization, including creating formulations, conducting sensory evaluations, and overseeing plant trialsApply technical expertise to identify, scope, develop, validate, and commercialize new ingredient technologies that drive the innovation pipeline to advance business growthPerform ingredient evaluations (benchtop testing, sensory analysis, comparative analysis, etc.) and submit case studies on all findingsTest and define procedures and processing parametersDocument technical information and prepare reports for trials.Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies to drive innovation and enhance product offeringsProactively collaborate with external suppliers to solve challenges and source alternative ingredientsDesign formulas to meet customer specifications and requirementsUtilize nutrition database for product development, recipe analysis, nutrition analysis and government compliant labelingResearch and evaluate new ingredients, processing, food science applications that may aid in product developmentWorking closely with the R&D Manager and Engineering team to scale-up new products from the lab/benchtop to full productionQUALIFICATIONSTo 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.BS Food Science, Food Technology or related fieldMinimum of 3 years related experiencePrior bakery experience/related baking process experience or food manufacturing preferredStrong knowledge of food ingredients, processing, and sensory evaluation.Understanding of how ingredients used in the baking process interact with each other and the knowledge to adjust formulation and baking systems to achieve optimum product output and qualityPrior benchtop prototyping and recipe development experienceDevelop and advise on product formulations and scale ups, that leverages expertise in food chemistry and food ingredient functionalityAbility to manage multiple work streams while delivering to target datesTravel required up to 20% of the timeCandidate must have excellent interpersonal skills, working with others in a team setting, communicating directly with stakeholders and vendor contactsA team player who works well in an environment where sharing information and open communication is critical to the overall success of the organization.Proven skills in prioritization, influencing and project management, and working on multiple projects at the same timeStrong analytical skills, problem solving skills, and detail orientation requiredCPG experience desiredKnowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements.COMPUTER SKILLS:Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. Understanding of Genesis for recipe creation and nutritional database.EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:BS Food Science, Food Technology or related fieldWhat we offer youOur team members' physical and mental health is important to a thriving workplace. That s why we offer the following benefits to full-time employees:Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered for eligible employees401(k) plan with a company match that veston day 1 of eligibilityPaid vacationPaid time offHoliday pay (11 days)Paid short-term disabilityPaid life insuranceBanfield Pet Insurance DiscountsWellness Benefits and DiscountsEmployee Assistance ProgramEEOWe are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require special accommodation, please let us know.Privacy PolicyMars and its family of brands is committed to transparency and responsibility in how we handle the personal data entrusted to us by our customers and consumers. To learn more about our privacy policy please followthis link.