Associate Food Scientist

Pay range: $58,100.00 - $104,600.00. Pay is based on several factors including labor markets, education, work experience, and certifications.

Benefits

Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee discount
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Paid sick leave
• Paid national holidays
• Paid vacation

Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at Target Benefits.

About Us

Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company, and one of America’s leading retailers. At the heart of one of the world’s best-loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Product Development & Design organization. We thrive on discovering that just-right product and infuse everything we do with our passion for delighting guests. We concept, develop, make, and deliver great-tasting new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve.

We are trend, design, and quality experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying market needs and exceeding them. Join our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the design, quality, and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will directly impact convenient meals, snacking favorites, giftable items, and pantry staples.

A role in Food Product Development means working with food scientists and engineers to create products that embody the intent of Target-owned brands. We support you with robust onboarding, personal, and career development to help you grow as a strong Food Product Development Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Support the product development team by understanding business initiatives, product technical requirements, and performance expectations to ensure product consistency.
• Partner with Insights Teams to understand guest needs and support product development to meet those needs.
• Represent Product Development as part of a Cross-Functional Team (including Merchants, Technical AOEs, and Sourcing) to develop owned brand products with appropriate levels of trend, quality, and cost.
• Maintain a diligent approach to workload, ensuring timely communication with vendors, team members, and CFTs.
• Provide timely sample evaluations and ensure product approvals meet Target’s standards.
• Maintain effective product technical specifications.
• Understand competitors and benchmarks to stay current on trend, quality, and cost standards.
• Develop a working knowledge of product manufacturing and vendor capability.
• Initiate and support Technical Functional Reviews with Food Safety & Quality, Sourcing, Product Development, and Structural Packaging.
• Support the timely resolution of issues pertaining to product development and manufacturing.
• Serve as a deployable resource for team and business needs, assisting with fundamental Product Development tasks.
• Work cooperatively with others as a committed team player.

Requirements

• B.S. in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 1-4 years of relevant experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and understanding of food product development and formulation, basic ingredient functionality and cost, and food manufacturing.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Problem-solving, creative thinking, and strategic thinking skills.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Schedule

This position operates as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target’s needs. The role requires onsite work at the Target HQ MN location and virtual work, depending on daily requirements. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the primary work location unless otherwise prescribed by Target.