Senior Food Technologist

• This senior level lab position will be expected to work both independently and in conjunction with their Manager/Director and other Food Technologists on the development of powder, bar, ready-to-drink (and other format) from concept through execution. Successful applicants must have an extensive track record of developing and executing new concepts through to market/launch, and the candidate must demonstrate knowledge and a proven formulation history in powdered beverages. The ability to juggle multiple projects and apply critical thinking, organizational, communication and analytical skills is essential.
• Note: This is a lab position where all food allergens (milk, soy, nuts, peanuts, wheat, egg, etc…) are present. This person will be involved in tasting a variety product types and subsequently exposed to them.

Required Skills

New Product Development

• Formulate and Develop foods and supplements including: powdered and RTD beverages, bars, capsule, and tablets. Includes: formulation, validating ingredient and ingredient vendors, preliminary costing and preparing nutritional and supplement facts panels
• Create and flavor prototypes.
• Organizes sensory panels. Refines formulations until desired characteristics are achieved.
• Oversees pilot plant experiments and scale-up manufacturing runs.
• Initiates raw material and factory trial analytical testing.
• Enters raw material specifications and formulas into product development software.
• Reformulates to bring formulations into compliance with changing government regulations or customer requirements.
• Monitors product stability.
• Guide and mentor junior team members as needed.

Documentation

• Documents all formulations, variables tested, product stability, and other pertinent details and enters into lab notebooks and Formula Management System.
• Produces formula cost information; works with purchasing, finance, and sales teams to help establish final product pricing; initiates new item forms for all product introductions.

Collaboration

• Works with Regulatory to generate compliant Supplement/Nutrition facts panels and ingredient listings for product packaging/artwork and proofreads for accuracy.
• Raw material specification advisement and review.
• Provides Leadership in a team environment.
• Contributes to innovation, trouble shooting, and brain storming ideas in a team environment.
• Identifies & overcomes barriers to successful innovation by developing strong interdepartmental relationships with customer, manufacturing, supply chain, accounting, quality, and purchasing teams.
• Understands customer needs, business needs and strategy.
• Works with key suppliers and purchasing team to keep abreast of upcoming trends, novel ingredients, and new application ideas.
• Considered a key knowledgeable resource for others in the company

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the position
  • Advanced knowledge in one of the aforementioned formats (Tabs/Caps, RTDs, etc.) is a must
  • Knowledge and development history of powdered beverages is essential
  • Knowledge and application of flavor systems is essential
  • Understands daily lab processes and production processes
  • Extensive raw material and stability knowledge is essential
• Skills of the position
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) as well as nutritional software
  • SAP experience preferred
  • Detail oriented, well organized, and follows GMP lab and factory guidelines
  • Strong analytical and communication skills
• Abilities for the position
• Informing – provides individuals accurate information so they can make accurate decisions. Is timely with information.
• Demonstrates confidence around Higher Management – can present to more Senior Management without undue tension/nervousness
• Proven track record of developing new concepts and bringing products to market
• Works well in a fast paced “hands on” environment and stays in control under pressure
• Ability to solve problems quickly and “think outside the box” handling multiple projects/tasks at one time
• Able to formulate independently based on customer requirements for a project identifying any potential issues and alerting manager or customer
• Demonstrates Standing Alone skills – will stand up and be counted. Willing to be the only champion for idea/position
• Possess Negotiation skills –can negotiate skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups
• Exhibits process Management skills –good at figuring out processes necessary to get things done
• Displays delegation skillset – clearly and comfortably delegates both routine and important tasks and decisions
• Possess Negotiation skills

Education/Experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience: Masters of Science degree in Food Science, Nutrition or related field or equivalent experience
• Years of experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience working in the food, beverage, or dietary supplement industry; prior development and knowledge of dietary supplements is an advantage

Required Experience

Job Location
Downers Grove, IL