Product Development Scientist III

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Responsible for NPD, product maintenance, and product improvement for assigned category. Collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure successful development and commercialization of new products, product improvement, or cost reductions. Conduct routine, non-routine and complex research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical complexity of dough and baked product formulations in order to develop new products. Evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes. Accountabilities require the ability to successfully partner with others cross-functionally. Work gets done through speed to market or standardized business processes.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES

New Product Development/Product Improvements/Cost reductions  (80%)

• Develop protocept and prototype products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment that meet project criteria.
• Lead, manage, and conduct plant trials to validate formulas and processes including process capability study. Train Operations and QA personnel on critical product attributes and process controls.
• Responsible for the development of raw materials and finished product specifications for internal and co-packed products.
• Provides solutions to a wide range of difficult problems by applying advanced technical knowledge and extensive experience.
• Sets up, operates and maintains pilot lab and research lab equipment. 
• Selects and evaluates raw materials.
• Designs and conducts shelf life studies, including product and package performance under various conditions.
• Works with outside labs, universities, co-packed manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and equipment vendors as needed by project activity.
• Manages and conducts multiple, independent and complex research and/or development projects. Defines project objectives, organizing and prioritizing tasks and conducting experiments and analyses.
• Coordinates and completes small and medium projects or manages segments of larger projects. Defines project objectives, organizing and prioritizing tasks and conducting experiments and analyses.
• Performs measurements and statistical analysis.
   

Technical Support (15%)

• Serves as subject matter expert for the corporation to help educate the corporation on company’s current and future product and process capability/versatility and provide product solutions.
• Provide technical support to Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and external customers in the areas of product features and benefits, product solutions, and ingredient functionality.                          
• Plans and conducts presentations of new and existing products to staff and/or customers. 
• Performs related responsibilities, as needed, to support Rich Products Corporation’s business objectives.
• Provide technical support to Operations to resolve product related production issue by identifying root cause, develop technical solutions, and implement changes including training QA/Operations personnel on findings.

 

Record-keeping: (5%)

• Documents all formulas, process development and tests which have been conducted and records results of such tests according to department protocol.
• Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol.
• Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.
• Maintains a sanitary, safe, and orderly work environment
   

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field with 4+ years job related experience in food preparation/food industry

OR

• M.S. Food Science, Food Engineering or related field  with 2+ years job related experience in food preparation/food industry 
• Knowledge of advanced mathematics (i.e. statistics) and their practical application
• Broad understanding of food science (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired thro