Food Technologist - R&D Services

Employment Type: Salaried
Work Designation: Hybrid 

Position Summary:

The Food Technologist, R&D Services is responsible for supporting the communication and release of technical documentation for formulae, ingredients and finished products, under minimal supervision. As a R&D Services resource, the Food Technologist provides technical documentation, ingredient, sensory and analytical specifications evaluation support, to R&D Developers, Quality, Procurement, Operations, Process Team, FST, Project Coordinators and other internal & external stakeholders to ensure correct, consistent, complete and timely release of technical information. As a R&D Services Subject Matter Expert (SME), the Food Technologist leverages knowledge in formula design, sensory and analytical testing, products and specifications to support commercialization scale-up opportunities that effectively result in attainment of company financial goals.  The Food Technologist, R&D Services represents the company externally in Trade Associations committees and at industry conferences and events.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under minimal supervision, leverages technical knowledge of formula design, systems and processes to review, assemble and execute correct and timely release of Technical Documentation across departments and plants, to include sensory and analytical specifications evaluation reports for ingredients and products.
• Maintains proper documentation in MS Teams and project platforms (SharePoint, Ops Portal, PCS, JDE, AS400, Material Spec Database).
• With minimal assistance, designs, conducts, interprets and reports research on projects. Provides guidance and training to execute basic sensory test – shelf-life determination, difference, and preference test
• Works cross-functionally and collaboratively with R&D, Culinary, Plant QA, HQ QA, Project Coordinators, PCS Manager and MDM to prioritize, manage and maintain accurate technical information and supports Operations Team by reviewing ingredients for shelf-life extensions, ingredient variances and substitutions.
• Innovates to grow by supporting continuous enhancement, training and implementation of R&D templates, portals, policies and procedures to continually improve R&D processes and systems. 
• Performs departmental housekeeping as required, including lab organization and ordering supplies necessary for completion of projects.
• Executes other R&D Services duties to ensure that the Company’s overall business initiatives are accomplished.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science or related field, Biology, Chemistry or equivalent experience and 2 - 5 years food laboratory experience required.
• Experience in a food manufacturing or processing environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic understanding of formula design (emulsion, flavors, spices, process technology and ingredient interactions). 
• Organization, project management, ability to multi-task and effective written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Must have general understanding of food codes and regulatory guidelines and the ability to research regulatory matters as needed.
• Highly motivated, collaborative, self-directed and self-starter team player.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, R&D Project Systems (PCS, ORP), Legacy and JD Edwards software, and future PLM software.
• Proficient knowledge of MS Excel is a MUST. 
• Six Sigma Certification and working knowledge of MicroStrategy preferred.

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses.  We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves.  When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.  As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.  

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