Location: Richmond,VA, USA
Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients - Shank's is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank's quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide. We have an immediate opening for a Senior Food Service Product Development Scientist Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm Must be flexible to business needs
Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.
Disclaimer: Shank's Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
The Universal Ingredients Senior Product Development Scientist is a full-time position on site at Universal Ingredient Application Lab based in Lancaster, PA. This role is focused on developing creative and innovative prototypes leading to gains in market segments primarily focused on Food Service Beverages Applications with an emphasis on Tea, Coffee, Botanicals extracts and fruited beverage systems, ranging from B2B ingredients to finished product prototypes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* In coordination with Product Development & Commercial Team complete rapid prototyping and iterative solution development of new products that meet project timelines, with a focus on food service applications in Tea, Coffee, Botanicals extracts and fruited beverage systems
* Collaborate with key stakeholders in the Commercial Team to transform concepts from benchtop samples and trial runs into full-scale commercial production
* Prepare specifications and process operating guides for product developments and ensure flow of documentation through commercialization process
* Lead the sensory evaluation of ongoing production samples to ensure all product meets our specifications and quality standards
* Collaborate with QA and Operations to identify and mitigate supply issues across existing product lines and lead the qualification of alternate suppliers for high-risk ingredients by identifying, vetting and onboarding new suppliers
* Support continuous improvement efforts across existing product lines and lead various renovation projects
* Work collaboratively with many cross-functional partners including Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial and Marketing teams
* Travel to technical facilities and co-packers to support commercialization trials and Company's objectives.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS NEEDED:
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects & tasks working in a fast-paced environment
* Excellent organizational and communication (written and oral) skills.
* Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple activities simultaneously with strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
* Must be self-motivated, have a positive attitude, detail-oriented, and work well in a team environment.
* Must be able to adapt to constant change in a positive manner
* Excellent knowledge of food industry practices and procedures (GMP's, HACCP, CFR compliance)
* Willing to travel as required
* Computer skills and proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software/applications.
* English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
* Bachelor's degree in food science/science/science technology or equivalent
* 3-7 years of experience as a Food Technologist, Beverage and Food Service experience preferred.
* ERP Experience preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Requires standing for an entire shift
* Requires frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds.
* Requires pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, squatting, and lifting close to the body
* Requires frequent repetitive motion
* Ability to work in a consistent area for entire shift
* Must be able to work in various indoor temperatures including elevated heat and humidity
* Exposure to elevated noise levels which occur below OSHA thresholds
* Infrequent exposure to machine sanitation solutions and detergents
* Requires frequent visual quality control observations which may include turning and bending of the neck and head area.
* Hand-Eye coordination
* Requires the use of both hands
* Exposure to various odors throughout a work shift.
* Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]
* Required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices [GMPs]
* Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.
Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture
Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties.
Quality: Shank's is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.
Integrity: Shank's and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.
Culture: Shank's respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.
Shanks Core Values:
ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement
ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation
ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs
* Competitive compensation and benefits package*
Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients - Shank's is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.