Senior Product Development Scientist - Desserts

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

Rich Products, a $5.5Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Senior Product Development Scientist. This role is based in our Missouri City, TX manufacturing facility, and is part of our R&D team. 
In this role, you will plan, organize and conduct theoretical or applied scientific research, which contributes the technical knowledge and expertise necessary to commercialize and expand existing RPC business platforms. 
You will analyze research data and prepare detailed reports and presentations for R&D management and other key stakeholders.
You will provide technical leadership and key contributions to initiatives in product/process development.
You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, developing and maintaining products within our desserts category (finished and unfinished cakes/cheesecakes/other specialty desserts).
Our ideal candidate will be self-motivated, throve in a fast paced working environment, and enjoy close interaction with plant associates as well as close collaboration with other R&D teams.
This role will be based in Missouri City, TX, with expected travel of around 25%.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

• Acts as a project leader, planning, managing and conducting research projects in product or process development or in specific area of expertise (microbiology, food chemistry, engineering). Establishes project methodology and time tables, identifies and organizes project team, coordinates other needed resources and monitors project progress.
• Provides guidance and day-to-day supervision to members on scientific project teams. Mentors associates within the R&D department by sharing technical knowledge and expertise and providing necessary training.
• Proposes new or innovative methods for using technology to resolve problems.
• Prepares and edits reports and regular updates, providing concise summaries of project work. Present project results and recommendations to various audiences including R&D associates, other RPC staff and interested external groups.
• Seeks centers of expertise or technology, inside and outside of Rich Products Corporation, which may provide beneficial knowledge related to research activities. Communicates and shares expertise with others.
• Represents the company with outside vendors, suppliers, universities, associations and governmental agencies. Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information.
• Performs related responsibilities, as needed, to support Rich Products Corporation's business objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field (e.g. Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Engineering, etc.) AND 8+ years industrial, applied research experience, in job-related field
OR
• Master’s degree in Food Science or related field (e.g. Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Engineering, etc.) AND 6+ years industrial, applied research experience, in job-related field
• Solid verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Proven record of independently achieved accomplishments as demonstrated by: products/process / technological innovation and/or improvement
• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead others
• Plans, organizes and conducts theoretical or applied scientific research, which contributes the technical knowledge and expertise necessary to commercialize and expand existing RPC business platforms
• Analyzes research data and prepares detailed reports and presentations for R&D management and other key stakeholders.
• Mentors associates within the R&D department by sharing technical knowledge and expertise and providing necessary training. May have limited supervisory responsibilities
• Solid PC proficiency (Excel, Word, database, statistical software) and the ability to create spreadsheets, computer analysis, report writing. Proficient with relevant software tools (e.g. PLM, etc.)
• Interfaces frequent