Job Title: Sr. Food Scientist

Department: Research & Development (605)

Reports to Job Title: Sr. Product Development Manager

Summary of the Position: 

• The Sr. Food Scientist is responsible for hands-on, technical project management, new product development, product optimization, cost optimization, and quality improvements activities across all JBSS business channels and categories. The person in this role provides technical leadership and ownership in developing private label innovative products in nuts, mixes, snacks, etc. The Sr. Food Scientist will assist with fulfilling the numerous sample requests that R&D receives, leading various innovation projects from benchtop to execution, and managing customer relationships.

Functions of the Position:

• Provides technical project management to lead cross functional projects to determine risks and mitigation plans. Works with engineering, packaging, and operations teams to determine formula and process to deliver consumer driven new products.
• Collaborates with internal (marketing/sales) and external customers on new item and sample requests – to ensure objectives are being addressed clearly, efficiently, and on time.
• Creatively leverages external suppliers for necessary new raw materials, flavors, and resources such as sensory evaluation.
• Works with internal resources (R&D team, production, accounting, procurement, etc.) to develop innovative and on-trend formulas that are compatible with JBSS capabilities.
• Integrates into JBSS production – works with schedulers, supervisors, operators, packaging, QA, etc. to scale-up and commercialize products.
• Documents raw material and finished good specifications and integration into JBSS systems.
• Collaborates with technical services on allergen, Kosher, labeling, specification and claims issues.
• Documents JBSS processes and procedures. Updates and maintains R&D records.
• Collaborates with Procurement and Production on cost optimization projects.

Qualifications:

Education, Experience, and Knowledge: 

• Bachelor’s degree in food science/technology or food / chemical engineering is required. MS or Ph.D. in science or engineering preferred.
• Five plus years of experience in the food industry working in R&D and/or product development. Private label experience is preferred.
• Proven track record of technical innovation, technical skills, product development with food products required. Culinary experience is preferred.
• Experience in consumer driven product development experience is highly desired.
• Experience in defining project scope, influencing and leadership skills are required
• Knowledge in regulatory is preferred, and experience with Product Vision software is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required. 
• Strong technical problem solving
• Technical project management
• Understands processing and can formula accordingly
• Understands and applies quality and regulatory needs
• Can lead projects independently
• Understands development process / steps and anticipates / prepares for next steps