Senior Product Development Scientist

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary:

We're looking for a Senior Product Development Scientist to work with our Research & Development and cross-functional teams to lead and execute innovation projects across and beyond our growing portfolio of shelf stable juices, beverages, and fruit-based spreads. We are open to hiring this role at a Sr. Scientist or Product Development Lead level, based on experience, qualifications, and skills.

Where You'll Work

This role will be based out of our Concord, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key. Our company in-office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well-being with 3 days in office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and execute product innovation projects, from ideation through bench top prototyping, testing & validation, commercialization, and launch
• Identify creative solutions and influence key stakeholders during the new product development process
• Conduct experimental design and lead execution of bench top, pilot plant and plant trials
• Actively influence and participate in consumer research sessions in collaboration with Marketing and Consumer Insights
• Collaborate with cross functional teams including QA, Plant Operations, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain to meet project goals
• Keep up to date on new developments in the relevant knowledge areas such as food trends, new raw materials, and consumer nutrition trends
• Create and review specifications throughout the NPD cycle for applicable projects (e.g. raw material, nutritional, formulation, manufacturing, and finished product specifications)
• Direct the activities of external vendors including ingredients and service providers

Who You Are:

• Passion for food & beverages, science and technology, and understanding consumers
• Technically curious; enjoys challenges and problem solving
• Detail oriented and fast learner
• Able to handle project ambiguity and work with minimal direction
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Hands on, resourceful and decisive; seeks practical approaches with a bias for action to quickly build and demonstrate new ideas and concepts
• Applies a growth mindset through continuous experimentation and learning
• Works relentlessly to overachieve, anticipate obstacles, and creates plans to overcome them
• Adapts easily to changing priorities and direction based on new project learnings
• Develops meaningful relationships and collaborates across departments
• Able to think beyond own function and consider business priorities holistically

What You'll Need:

• Minimum of 5 years of a proven New Product Development track record from ideation through commercialization, with successful new product launches in the Food & Beverage market
• A Bachelors degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields. Masters preferred
• Cross-functional collaboration experience including Procurement, Operations and Marketing, among others
• Demonstrate awareness and practice of safety procedures, GMPs, food regulations, and the implications for product development
• Management of external resources like suppliers, co-manufacturers and testing labs
• Technical leadership of projects commercialization, scale up and launch
• Good time management skills and ability to concurrently lead multiple projects
• Excellent analytical skills, strong attention to detail, good communication and interpersonal skills
• General knowledge of food & beverage processing and filling equipment
• Understanding of project management principles
• Availability to travel based on project requirements

Preferred:

• Experienced Influencing and leading within Cross-functional teams
• Experience in Beverages or Fruits / Vegetables Juices formulation
• Creative thinker with a passion for consumer co-design and early-sta