Sr. Product Development Technologist

The Sr. Product Development Technologist is responsible for driving the development, innovation and renovation of salad products and fruit snacks from inception through all stages of development. The Senior Product Development Technologist will also provide strong scientific/technical guidance to team members and support projects to deliver innovative and competitive products/processes/systems in platform that he/she is leading in response to business and consumer needs. Position will report to Senior Product Development Manager.Duties & ResponsibilitiesProactively propose and drive new ideas/projects/methods to grow our innovation pipelineProvide project leadership in the development and commercialization of new products, product improvement, and cost savingsDevelop new products and improvements to existing products. Assure that product activities meet company cost capacity, quality, marketing and product development requirements.Improve and develop extensions to existing brands using laboratory bench top, vendor facilities and full-scale manufacturing systems. Ability to go from bench top to pilot scale to full scale production.Provide design and processing parameters inputs for new productsCarry out shelf life evaluations for new products and ingredients.Improve existing products by optimizing product formulas or attributes (cost, nutritional profiles, and ingredient statements)Support the identification and solution of cost savings issues, product/packaging change issues, equipment modifications, manufacturability issues, etc., using appropriate scientific principlesDevelop Master Recipe and process in collaboration Innovation team that are robust and highly adaptable to factory environment.Researches and incorporates new flavors, ingredients and processes into new product ideasCollaborates with operations to optimize processes and production for existing items within the limits of product specificationsManage the resources and budgets for projects and platformsLeverage good verbal, written communication and presentation skills to effectively communicate with cross functional business partnersTravels to Fresh Express facilities sites as required in support of product development and launch effortsQualifications & Education RequirementsMinimum 4 (for Master's) to include working in R&D or Technical Applications environment in Product Development or related areas5-8 years of experience in the food industry in either product or process development roles. Experience in product formulation, process optimization, scale up from bench to pilot plant to plant production, cost savings, shelf life and quality improvements.Produce ExperienceProven experience and ability to communicate and relate to business partners and other cross-functional team is required.Demonstrated problem-solving skills. Proven innovation and creativity. Ability to work effectively in team-based environment with multiple functional groups, in a collaborative and positive mannerPerson must be dynamic and flexible enough to adapt to fast pace commercialization needs of projects under his/her responsibilityCandidate must be team oriented and handle multiple projects in a fast paced, multi-disciplinary environment. The ideal candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, be detail oriented and have excellent organizational and analytical skills.Additional NotesExposure to manufacturing processes and equipment for periodic extended workdays.Must be comfortable working in sub-40°F environmentsUse of tools, equipment, and machineryWalking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of timeAbility to lift up to 50 lbs.Other InformationThe statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Created: 2024-11-07