Position Overview
This role is primarily responsible for executing product development including innovation pipeline, renovation on existing products, as well as commercialization through qualification. The Food Scientist will carry out the company vision and mission through their work, as an integral part of the Kari-Out team. Works in both office and manufacturing environments.
Essential Functions
- Works with Marketing and Innovation Engineering to develop new products beginning at the concept phase through successful commercialization.
- Conduct plant trials and new product start-ups including full-scale production on any product innovation and renovation project. Provide support to plant when challenges arise.
- Conceptualize and develop new products prototypes.
- Maintain recipes, SOP’s for batching and ingredients in Kari-Out’s systems. This includes generating Nutrition Facts Panels and ingredient statements.
- Working with procurement in identifying and sourcing ingredients from vendors that follow established marketing guidance and quality assurance standards for use within the product portfolio.
- Liaison with corporate resources on verification of new suppliers and raw materials as well as feasibility of new products under development.
- Coordinate and conduct both internal and external shelf-life studies.
- Initiate and assist in managing all product formulation change management control by issuing approved recipes, communicating changes, and approving BOM’s.
- Management of product development schedules that are required to meet project timelines.
- Communicate effectively to all partners within the development process to ensure on time and on budget development.
- Work with finance to develop strawman costs to adhere to guidelines early in the development cycle.
- Participate in co-manufacture or third-party product development when required.
- Lead efforts to consolidate like raw materials while maintaining product integrity and optimizing formulations.
- Responsible to help review formulas and look for cost savings opportunities while maintaining safety and product performance, which could include finding substitute ingredients.
- Find and evaluate new technologies to keep our portfolio current with emerging trends.
- Key member on the NPD implementation team.
- May require some travel to larger customers
- Comfortable and skilled at customer facing communication. Specifically with R&D, Culinary and QA teams.
- Experience at reverse engineering to match existing formulations
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Direct Reports
NoneDesired Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, micro-biology, or related field with at least five years of experience in product and / or formula development. MS preferred.
Culinary training is a plusGood understanding of formula costsTechnical knowledge of food quality / safety procedures and programs, regulatory requirements and working knowledge of microbial hazards, HACCP program development, microbiological laboratory procedures, sanitation procedures, plant operations and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)Understanding of process capability and the application of process control / quality control within those processes.Familiarity with ISO 17025 Laboratory StandardsUnderstanding of Design Development that is associated with SQF and Food Safety ProgramsPersonal Attributes / Skills
Building highly effective, collaborative working relationships at all levels in the organizationStrong ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing)Effectively leading change in a business environmentStrong fit with the Kari-Out’s values and cultureAbility to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.Requires knowledge in food product design, formulation, ingredient functionality and interaction, process design, product scale-up, plant testing and commercialization.Proficient with Microsoft Office software.Bias to action, calmly solves problems, follow-throughs, holds self & others accountable, willingness to do what it takes to get the job donePhysical Requirements :
Climbing to various heights via stairs or laddersExposure to manufacturing environments that include : loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions.Use of tools, equipment, and machineryExposure to food tasting and smells including all food allergensCompensation and Location
The position provides competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and if required, relocation assistance.The position is based at the company’s plant operations in Totowa, New Jersey.recblid 3tey7ca2bwyz08xc8f2zgncwowdkx2