SENIOR FOOD SCIENTIST-PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

About the position

We are looking for a Sr. Food Scientist to join our Pilgrim's R&D team here in Greeley, CO! As a Senior Food Scientist, you will be responsible for the development of new products and improvement of existing products. You will be the technical expert engaging in customer and cross-functional conversations related to product development. You will work closely with Operations, Operational Excellent (OE), Research and Optimization (R&O), Quality Assurance (QA), Category Marketing, Culinary, Innovation, Regulatory, Procurement, and Sales teams to drive execution of the Fresh and Prepared Poultry strategies by developing, optimizing, and commercializing products. This role will be focused on product development supporting branded products.

Responsibilities

• Execute development of new products and improvement of existing products to meet customer, brand, and operations requirements as related to cost, quality, and yield.
• Lead and perform pilot product development and renovation up to and through commercialization, analyzing results and making recommendations for full-scale implementation.
• Engage directly with vendors for benchtop, pilot line, and commercial scale requests, including troubleshooting product and process opportunities in formulation functionality and shelf-life.
• Lead vendors in new strategic platform development, product improvement, and line extensions via technical briefs and discussions.
• Participate in and facilitate product development conversations through product sampling, technical communication, and presentations as technical touchpoint and subject matter expert to customers related to new product development, product improvement, and specification improvement of value-added products.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to address quality or yield issues of individual product specifications and processes.
• Expertly communicate technical development activities like design of experiment, costing, data analysis, etc. to cross-functional teams with simplicity.
• Collaborate directly with Operations, OE, R&O, Category Marketing, and QA teams on new product development and product/process renovation for quality and yield opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with and influence Marketing, Innovation, Sales, Culinary, Operations, QA, Regulatory, and Procurement teams in accordance to stage-gate process.
• Collaborate with sensory and R&O teams to validate sensory outcomes and shelf-life requirements.
• Prepare technical data collection plans and results reports independently.
• Mentor and onboard Food Technologists and Associate Food Technologists.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Poultry Science, Engineering, or related field strongly preferred.
• BS & 5-7 years of relevant experience.
• MS & 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in food manufacturing facility, operations, or continuous improvement strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Well-versed in Project Management Systems and Recipe Development (e.g., SAP).
• Strong knowledge of USDA and/or FDA guidelines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft TEAMS / Cisco Webex.
• Can perform the functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company observed holidays.
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Base salary range of $80,000-$100,000.
• Incentive Pay: This position is eligible to participate in the Company's annual bonus plan.