Food Scientist

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences—together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About The Role

This role reports to the R&D NA Snacking Innovation Director, working within the North American snacking product development team, and in partnership with the commercial teams. This role will be accountable for technical project management and project execution to contribute to the NA Snacking business growth. The role provides technical leadership within project teams, across functions, and with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple product development projects from conception to commercialization.
• Develop new product concepts and prototypes.
• Translate project objectives into experimental design and provide experimental/project conclusions, summaries, and recommendations.
• Develop and implement all product documents, specifications, and related technical costing information.
• Assist in the development and completion of project timelines.
• Coordinate and oversee plant scale tests.
• Communicate plant scale test objectives, special needs, accept/reject criteria to plant representatives and assure the objectives of the test are met.
• Assist in process optimization projects and problem resolution with Technical Services, Operations, Engineering, QA, and other departments as assigned.
• Evaluate and adjust product and manufacturing cost parameters to meet operational and sales objectives.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and co-packers to meet Department and Company objectives:
  • Leads or supports assigned projects at co-packers.
  • Realizes customer needs by developing new concepts or product improvement opportunities, prototypes, and products.
  • Coordinates raw material sourcing, evaluation, and improvement activities with suppliers.
  • Assists Sales and Marketing in developing and delivering effective customer presentations and training.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated successful experience in food product development or food science.
• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Food Science or related field.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with an aptitude for creativity, innovation, and ability to resolve challenges.
• Comfort with ambiguity, required when working in Front End Innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage timelines.
• Project management skills and experience completing projects in tight timelines using good experimental design techniques and practices.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of food plant, process, and equipment.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, Food Safety, and Product Development Cycle.
• Knowledge of food preparation, consumer product testing, sensory testing, and manufacturing operations procedures.
• Sound knowledge of food ingredients and their interaction with processing and packaging.
• Working knowledge of general mathematics and scientific weights and measures.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and utilize statistical techniques to analyze and present data.

About The Team

This role sits within the Global R&D team and is a fundamental part of the North American Snacking PD team.

Pay

Compensation Package: $69,700.00 - $93,000.00 USD annually + Bonus eligibility. The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs.

Benefits

• Health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug).
• Retirement savings benefits.
• Leave support including medical, family, and bereavement.
• Well-being programs including vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources.

Coverages are aligned with applicable law and can vary by work level, location, and nature of the role.

Schedule

Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model, with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location.