Product Development Scientist III - Pizza

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Product Development Scientist 3 is responsible for new product development, product maintenance and product improvement for Rich's pizza category.  You will collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure successful development and commercialization of new products, product improvement or cost reductions. You will conduct routine, non-routine and complex research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical complexity of pizza product formulations in order to develop new products and evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes. You will be required to successfully partner with others cross-functionally.
Our work gets done through Speed to Market or standardized business processes.

This role will be based at our WHQ in Buffalo, NY.

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 through both lecture and laboratory work

Ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques

Solid verbal and written communication skills including solid presentation skills

Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment
Lift up to 50 lbs.         
Stand for 6 or more hours during the work day
Ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, etc. through taste, smell, touch and visual inspection
Manual dexterity required to operate various equipment such as scales, balances, etc.
 

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