Product Development Lab Specialist

About the role

Refresco is the leading global independent beverage solutions provider, producing drinks for national and international retailers and brands distributed worldwide. As a PD Lab Specialist, you will maintain lab functions, execute development projects, and support R&D teams to help put our drinks on every table.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized lab environment in accordance with GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Show initiative in leading and maintaining assigned administrative tasks; create and own processes.
• Develop familiarity with lab instrumentation, including microthermics, homogenizer, HTP processor, and analytical devices.
• Independently complete sample requests by referencing SharePoint specifications, generating formulas, creating beverages, bottling, logging, labeling, and linking information into the lab database; communicate shipping details.
• Upload all supporting documents to the ACE database and maintain lab inventory of juices, flavors, packaging, carbonated water, and materials.
• Communicate with suppliers and supporting departments to fulfill material requests.
• Develop knowledge of ERP software (SAP), product development testing methods, and technical competencies per PD Playbook OneNote SOPs.
• Support developers and other lab personnel in development projects and lab functions.
• Communicate professionally with internal and external customers.
• Support shelf-life practices, including ring study, light stability testing, and sensory evaluations.
• Understand the raw material qualification process and operate SIMS sensory testing software for site taste tests.
• Build sensory experience relevant to job advancement.

Required Skills

• Willingness to learn, develop, and perfect PD lab methods and practices; maintain documentation and records (sample logs, specifications, ACE, shipping documents, etc.).
• Take ownership of projects; ask questions and collect information to complete tasks; exercise independence and critical thinking.
• Aptitude for mathematical calculations.
• Professional communication with honest and constructive feedback; confidently share ideas and solutions.
• Consistent information awareness by thoroughly reading emails and referencing SharePoint, Weekly Action Plan, and Planner tasks.
• Embody Refresco’s five values: responsibility, entrepreneurship, agility, excellence, and passion.
• Foster teamwork and assist fellow lab personnel; notice, interpret, and anticipate others’ concerns and feelings.
• Focus on desired results and drive to meet goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related discipline, or adequate experience in a beverage/food lab preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work environment is very repetitive.
• Mental stress from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Travel Requirements

• Based in the Columbus, GA development lab with rare travel to customers, suppliers, or Refresco plants.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Benefits
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off
• Well-being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs