JOB SUMMARY:
The Food Technologist is a key contributor to the product development team, responsible for facilitating the creation and scale-up of innovative food products. This role involves collaborating closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to ensure that product formulations meet quality standards and consumer expectations. The Food Technologist will manage ingredient requests, coordinate sample shipments, and implement formula updates, all while adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Collaborate on Product Development:
o Work closely with the product development team to support daily lab activities, including pre-batching ingredients and producing product samples for sensory and quality evaluations.
o Assist in troubleshooting issues that arise during product development and provide innovative solutions to enhance product formulations.
2. Scale-Up Support:
o Document trial information meticulously, capturing key variables and outcomes to inform future development stages.
o Collect and analyze samples during scale-up trials, ensuring they meet quality and regulatory standards before shipment to stakeholders.
o Coordinate with logistics to manage timely and efficient sample shipments, keeping detailed records of all shipments and associated documentation.
3. Sample Management:
o Own the entire sample request process, including receiving, tracking, and fulfilling requests from various departments and external partners.
o Maintain an organized inventory of samples and ingredients, ensuring all materials are properly labeled and stored.
4. Kitchen Maintenance:
o Ensure the innovation kitchen is clean, organized, and well-stocked, maintaining a safe and efficient workspace.
o Implement and uphold cleaning schedules and protocols to meet hygiene and safety standards.
5. SOP Development and Training:
o Establish, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to product preparation, lab validation, and equipment usage to ensure consistency and compliance.
o Conduct training sessions for team members on new procedures and best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety.
6. Safety Champion:
o Promote and enforce food safety, lab safety, and plant safety protocols among all team members, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
o Participate in safety audits and assessments, providing feedback and recommendations for enhancing safety practices.
7. Additional Responsibilities:
o Assist management with special projects or initiatives as needed, contributing to a collaborative and innovative work environment.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field is required; advanced degrees are a plus.
• A minimum of 0 - 2 years of experience in a food or beverage technologist role, with a strong focus on product development and scale-up processes.
• Comprehensive understanding of food processing techniques, ingredient functionality, and formulation principles.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Ability to work in cold environments, as necessary for certain food processing tasks.
2. Work is divided between sitting at a desk (approximately 50% of the time) for computer-based tasks and standing (approximately 50% of the time) during lab activities.
3. Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times in compliance with safety regulations.
4. Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs., as well as maneuver around various equipment in the lab and production areas.
5. Requires physical agility to perform tasks that may involve bending, stooping, and reaching overhead.
6. Ability to independently commute between two company locations as needed.
You should be proficient in: