Food Scientist w/ 2- 4 years’ Product Development Experience or CPG

About the Role

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients, and Retail Private Label markets in North America. The Scientist role provides support to the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) strategy, focusing on advanced product development initiatives, application testing, and technical training. This is a mid-level Product Development position.

Responsibilities

• Participate as an R&D team member for assigned programs and projects that are broad in scope, high visibility, high risk, and/or highly complex.
• Leverage technical expertise to identify short- and long-term strategic business opportunities, including new products, cost reductions, process, and quality improvements.
• Assist in developing project objectives, action standards, and RDI deliverables; identify required resources and assemble the RDI team.
• Recommend and/or assist in defining key RDI milestones, timetables, and project critical paths; negotiate resolutions and advise supervisors.
• Coordinate activities of other RDI team members to ensure deadlines and objectives are achieved; develop and implement solutions when deadlines are jeopardized.
• Issue status and update reports to marketing, the RDI team, and management as required.
• Define project deliverables and coordinate activities of support technicians or technologists.
• Participate in development and execution of internal and external technical training sessions; assist in troubleshooting and complaint resolution.
• Plan and execute studies to evaluate product development across the Dressings, Sauces, and Mayonnaise business portfolio; maintain accurate records and issue final reports of key discoveries.
• Ensure formulations, specifications, and data sheets are accurate and up-to-date for the application area.
• Support cost-savings and/or enhanced performance projects as assigned.
• Participate in periodic audits of competitive products to identify developmental gaps and product improvement opportunities.
• Travel up to 20-25% (including driving for up to 3 hours and air travel).
• Provide technical support outside of the application area as needed or assigned.
• Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives.

Requirements

• MS/PhD in Food Science or a related field, or BS with equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 2-4 years’ product development experience or CPG experience.
• Experience in Dressings, Sauces, Mayo, Condiments, or emulsions is preferred.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skills

• Technical Skills: Solid food science expertise, strong command of ingredients and functionality; basic knowledge of baking, fats & oils chemistry, and processing; knowledge of experimental design.
• Judgment: Decisive, exhibits sound and accurate judgment; displays critical thinking skills and is proactive in decision-making.
• Problem Solving: Leverages a proactive and creative approach to issues and roadblocks; develops realistic action plans with clearly identified risks and contingencies.
• Communication: Requires clear verbal and written communication skills; ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex topics to management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Organizational: Strong organizational skills, dependability, and ability to work independently or as part of a team; ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing demands.
• Analytical: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; perform root cause analysis and corrective action.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing, using a computer, and occasional movement within the workplace.
• May require lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds.
• Regularly required to talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; taste or smell.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision.
• Active listening and attention to detail are essential.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.