Senior Product Development Scientist II

Purpose Statement

Rich Products, a $5.5 Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Senior Product Development Scientist supporting the Bread and Pizza Dough platforms.

The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership and be a key driver for initiatives in product/process development. This will include leading lab development and plant validation work on technically challenging platforms while driving internal discussions and customer-interfacing meetings.
You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders while delivering innovative solutions on products within our dough category (bread doughs, sweet doughs and/or pizza doughs).
Our ideal candidate will be self-motivated, thrive in a fast paced working environment, and enjoy close interactions with cross-functional team members.

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 presentations for R&D management and other key stakeholders.

This role will be based in Buffalo, NY, 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 timelines, 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 6+ years industrial experience or applied research experience, in the food industry
OR
• Master’s degree in Food Science or related field (e.g. Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Engineering, etc.) AND 4+ years industrial experience or applied research experience, in the food industry.
• Prior experience developing dough products (bread doughs/pizza/sweet doughs), and dough rheology.
• 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 frequently with various internal and external groups within industry.

Work Environment & Safety Notice
•    Research and Development laboratories are not food-allergen-free environments. Individuals with severe food allergies should consider this before applying.
•    Employees may occasionally be exposed to Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) detergents through smell or incidental contact during routine operations.
•    Exposure to food ingredients, chemicals, and cleaning agents is expected; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided to minimize risks.
•    Work may occur in varying temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas.

Physical Requirements
•    Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely.
•    Stand for 6 or more hours during the workday, with opportunities for sitting.
•    Regular bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching to access equipment, materials, and storage areas.
•    Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights, including occasional climbing of ladders or steps.
•    Push, pull, and maneuver carts, bins, and equipment, including heavy items with the assistance of mechanical aids when necessary.
•    Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision instruments.
•    Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively as required for operating various laboratory or production equipment.
•    Sensory ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, and products through taste, smell, touch, and visual inspection.
•    Ability to follow all safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices.

#LI-NT1

#CORP123