Our client is one of the country’s largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market. The Company also produces and distributes private label food and pet products.

They currently have a new opportunity for an R&D Sr. Scientist, Upstream Innovation – Products Research. ***This role will initially be located at their Research and Development Center on the West Coast. In early 2017, the role will relocate to a newly built, state-of-the-art Research and Development Center located at the Corporate Campus in the Midwest. They will offer relocation benefits to support the dual locations of this role.***

The R&D Sr. Scientist, Upstream Innovation – Products Research is responsible for understanding consumers’ needs and translating them into technical requirements and consumer models to drive business impact. He/she will leverage their technical thinking skills to bring together consumer needs and product possibilities into winning innovation. He/She will have Products Research responsibility for projects or related programs within the Upstream Innovation Department including defining and executing the consumer methods used for insight understanding, product development, and qualification of projects. He/she will lead cross-functional teams, train/coach others in their area of expertise and may be called upon to direct the technical work of others. He/she is also responsible for initiating and leading Product Research or other work process capability advances. The scope of this Upstream Innovation role covers pet food, snacks, and other adjacencies and includes multiple brands within the company’s portfolio.

PRINCIPAL CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITIES IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:

• Understand consumers’ needs, and lead translation of consumers’ ‘what’s needed’ to technical requirements and consumer models.
• Define and influence the Products Research methods and activities used for consumer understanding, product development, and qualification of projects.
• Initiate and lead Products Research methods and activities that guide current and future product innovation and technology platforms.
• Accountable for all Products Research deliverables in Technical Readiness reviews for projects with which they are involved.
• Integrate internal and external innovation capabilities to deliver key initiatives and drive Products Research capability.
• Leverage Products Research understanding and knowledge to train peers within the R&D organization.
• Actively collaborate and leverage relationships across functional teams to achieve established shared goals or objectives.
• Work independently, guided by functional processes; and seek input or guidance on complex matters.
• Identify and implement Pet R&D work process improvements.
• As appropriate, lead cross-discipline project teams.
• Become subject matter expert (SME) on the consumers and products related to their specific project.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: This position requires a BS, MS or PhD in Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Biochemical, Food, etc.).

Years of Experience: Depending on degree, 6 years or more in Consumer Products Industry;
experience in human or pet food a plus.

Special Requirements:
• Must have strong experience in Products Research within the Consumer Product Industry and track record of leveraging this experience to develop, qualify, and launch innovation.
• Experience in pet food/snack product research a plus.
• Products research experience in both upstream/front end and product development/qualification/launch.
• Experience coaching others in Products Research.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience partnering with other functions to deliver results.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders across functions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-pace environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be passionate and driven, yet flexible and willing to embrace changing business priorities and ambiguity.
• Approximately 20% travel required.
• Must be willing/able to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS: Lifting, bending, sitting, carrying, standing

Incumbent may be required to:
• Walk, stand or sit for extended periods.
• Work and move freely and safely around manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Climb on stairs or ladders.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: TEMPERATURE: Low NOISE LEVEL: Low

All applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without requiring sponsorship.

For additional information, please contact Gina Tentzeras, 954-428-3888, or ginat@foodscience.com.