Product Development Food Scientist - Research Development and Innovation

Company Description

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Foodservice, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and is a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. Stratas Foods was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX; Decatur and Quincy, IL; Englewood and Hillside, NJ; Fresno, CA; Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA.  Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN.  We are committed to maintaining a progressive workplace by utilizing the ideas, skills and talents of all of our employees.  We strive to make Stratas Foods a great place to work and are building a team capable of meeting our business goals.

Job Description

The Scientist role exists to provide support to the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI strategy of executing a program based on connectivity and T.I.M.E. to achieve industry leading innovation and technology support. 

The Scientist role is a mid-level Product Development position to support more advanced product development initiatives, application testing and participation in internal/external technical training sessions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Key responsibilities: Product Development, Technical Support & Service, Applications Testing / Development, Product Specifications, Product Improvements / Cost Savings, Competitive Audits, and Provides Technical Support Outside of the Application Area as Needed / Assigned.

1. Participate as an R&D team member for assigned programs and projects which are broad in scope, high visibility, high risk, and/or highly complex.
   • Leverage technical expertise to help identify short- and long-term strategic business opportunities (including new products, cost reductions, process and quality improvements).
   • Assists in the development of project objectives, action standards, and RDI deliverables.  Identify resources required and assemble the RDI team.
   • Recommends and/or assists in the definition of key RDI milestones, timetable, and project critical path.  Negotiate resolution and advise Supervisor.
   • Recommends and/or assists in the definition of deliverables and/or coordinates activities of other RDI team members to ensure deadlines/objectives are achieved. 
   • Develop and implement solutions when either is jeopardized, while ensuring issues are appropriately communicated.
   • Issue status and update reports to marketing, the RDI team, and management as required.
   • Define project deliverables and coordinate activities of support technician(s) or technologist(s).
2. Technical Support & Service – Participate in development/execution of internal & external technical training sessions.  Assist in troubleshooting and complaint resolution.
3. Application Testing/Development – Assists in planning and execution of studies to evaluate product development across the Dressings, Sauces, and Mayonnaise business portfolio.  Maintain accurate records.  Issue final report of key discoveries/conclusions.
4. Product Specifications – Ensure formulations, specifications and data sheets are accurate and up to date for the application area.
5. Product Improvements/Cost Savings – Support cost-savings and/or enhanced performance projects as assigned.
6. Competitive Audits – Participate in periodic audits of competitive products, as assigned, to identify developmental gaps and product improvement opportunities. 
7. Travel up to 20-25% (at times).  Able to drive for up to 3 hours, able to air travel.
8. Provide technical support outside of the application area as needed/assigned.
9. Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives.

Qualifications

Education: MS/PhD in Food Science or a related field, or BS and equivalent Industry Experience.

Related Experience: Minimum of 2- 4 years’ Product Development experience or CPG. Experience in Dressings, Sauces, Mayo, Condiments, or emulsions – preferred.

Equipment/Software Skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Competencies

• Technical Skills – Solid food science expertise, strong command of ingredients/functionality.  Basic knowledge of baking, fats & oils chemistry, and processing.  Knowledge of experimental design.
• Judgment – Decisive, exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Strategic Thinking – Displays critical thinking skills, is proactive in decision-making and makes data-based deci