Food Scientist

The Link Snacks the Food Scientist plays a key role in the development and execution of corporate research, development, and innovation initiatives including new product development, product and process improvement, quality, and food safety. This position will play a major role in helping the company achieve its growth objectives through appropriate uses of technology and innovation in new product development, packaging, quality control, and operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive and support the development of innovation from internal and external sources to help fulfill the company’s strategic plan.
• Support the exploration of alternative ingredients, vendors and processes to deliver higher margin for new and current product opportunities.
• Support the identification and research of potential new platform opportunities.
• Serve as a voice providing feedback and technical assistance as a member of the R & D team.
• Manage individual projects as assigned including sourcing and verification of raw ingredients and other materials, collaboration with Operations, QA, and other R & D staff to schedule and execute plant trials, hands on technical development and commercialization of new products in line with the NPD process and documentation of test formulas, procedures and net outcomes.
• Lead product cuttings for cross functional teams of existing products, product improvements, new products, or competitive samples.
• Champion quality awareness. Maintain product quality across our product lines.
• Continuously improve product and processes for greater product quality and profitability.
• Document and maintain product and process specifications, nutritional values/product labeling and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science or related field.
• 3 + years of product development experience or working in relevant food manufacturing experiences
• Familiarity with laboratory procedures and equipment
• Proficient written and oral communication skills.
• Comfortable in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Demonstrated relationship and leadership skills including effective collaboration with R&D, quality, and cross-functional partners
• Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action
• Detail oriented with demonstrated experience of maintaining accurate records on all tests and related work
• Comfortable in a fast paced, changing environment
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in Meat Science, Food Science, Animal Science or related field.
• 5 + years of experience in the meat processing industry, or meat lab experience preferred.