Associate Scientist, Product Development - Consumer Products

Position Overview

The Associate Scientist will support product development projects for McCormick’s US Consumer Products Division, including innovation, brand maintenance, and cost optimization initiatives across brands such as OLD BAY, Gourmet Garden, and Golden Dipt.

Responsibilities

• Formulates and develops products to achieve consumer acceptance, product performance, manufacturing, quality, and commercialization objectives.
• Supports product development activities from concept through commercialization, under the guidance of senior Product Development staff as appropriate.
• Plans and prioritizes assigned work to ensure project deadlines and business expectations are met.
• Manages technical and proprietary information, including formulas, ingredient technologies, and manufacturing processes, ensuring information is accurately documented, updated, and protected.
• Participates in cross-functional team discussions with Marketing, Regulatory, Technical Services, Sensory, Quality, Operations, and other partners to share updates, resolve issues, and align on action plans.
• Works with McCormick facilities and external co-packers to develop, launch, and modify products, including participation in plant trials.
• Contacts ingredient vendors to request information, documentation, or samples as required for project activities or as directed by senior Product Development staff.
• Ensures product development work aligns with applicable food safety, quality, regulatory, and labeling requirements in partnership with appropriate functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science preferred; Chemistry or a related technical field considered.
• Minimum of one year of product development experience in the food industry; co-op and internship experience will be considered.
• Experience collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing business priorities.
• High degree of ownership, accountability, and professional commitment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for food and flavor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing liquid condiments and/or dry seasoning products.
• Culinary skills or experience applying culinary principles to product development.
• Experience with SAP, formula management systems, or product documentation systems.
• Curiosity and innovative thinking.
• Spanish language skills.