Master Data Specialist
ofi North America (Olam Food Ingredients) · Chicago, IL · 2 wk ago
Information Technology$79k–$105k/yrFull-time
Position Summary
We are seeking a Master Data Specialist to bridge between Research & Development (R&D) food product development and Information Technology. This role supports the New Product Development (NPD) team by building and maintaining digital systems that organize critical technical information.
Position Responsibilities
- Data & Knowledge Management
- Create, maintain, and continuously improve a centralized digital repository for ingredients, recipes, formulations, and process documentation.
- Create standardized naming conventions, metadata structures, and version-control processes for all R&D documents.
- Ensure all ingredient specifications, COAs, nutritional data, allergen information, and regulatory documents are properly stored and linked.
- Maintain accurate version histories for formulas, prototypes, and scale-up iterations.
- Partner with IT to configure or optimize PLM, ERP, or R&D data systems.
- Systems & Technology Integration
- Serve as the R&D team’s point of contact for IT regarding system improvements, data migration, and digital tool adoption.
- Evaluate and recommend digital tools for recipe management, ingredient tracking, and documentation workflows.
- Train R&D staff on proper use of data systems and documentation standards.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Marketing, Operations, QA, Regulatory, and Procurement to ensure data accuracy and alignment across departments.
- Support handoff of finalized formulas and specifications to manufacturing and commercialization teams.
- Work with suppliers to collect and maintain up-to-date ingredient documentation.
- Ingredient and Recipe Documentation
- Maintain and update ingredient and recipe records in systems such as Specright, SAP, Plex, and Genesis.
- Ensure completeness and accuracy of data including processing steps, part divisions, and scale-up readiness.
- Create and manage product and ingredient specifications, including nutritional and allergen information.
- Coordinate and validate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from suppliers and internal labs.
- Support nutrition labeling by calculating values based on ingredient data and recipe formulations.
- Ensure compliance with regional and global regulatory requirements.
- Third Party Ingredient Data Management
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and external partners to gather and validate data for non-ofi ingredients.
- Ensure timely integration of third-party data into internal systems.
- System Support and Data Governance
- Serve as a subject matter expert for master data systems, supporting users and troubleshooting issues.
- Participate in data governance initiatives, including defining "done" criteria for data readiness and managing data lifecycle.
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Innovation, Quality, Procurement, and IT teams to align data needs and ensure consistency.
- Support new product development (NPD) by enabling fast and accurate access to ingredient and recipe data.
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Data Management, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in master data management, preferably in the food or CPG industry.
- Proficiency in data systems such as Specright, SAP, Plex, Genesis.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex datasets and ensure data accuracy across multiple platforms.
- Experience supporting cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality, Procurement, and Regulatory Affairs.
- Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) and specification systems.
- Ability to proactively identify data issues and implement corrective actions.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits
- Career Growth & Learning
- Family Support
- Additional Perks That Make a Difference
Position Requirements
Benefits
ofi provides a comprehensive & competitive benefits package that includes:
Pay
The pay for this role ranges from $79,000 - $105,000 annually and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.