The Food Scientist II is responsible for developing, implementing and launching all projects within a product line that affect production (productivity, renovation, innovation, quality projects). This position involves strong interactions with internal cross functional team and external suppliers, hands on bench and analytical work, pilot plant work, managing formula cost and speficiations (ingredient and product & process), conducting and coordinating industrial tests in plants, and assisting in industrial launches and management of projects. The candidate must be able to represent R&D interest within the company during all projects.

Responsibilities:

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR:

• Independently manages medium technical complexity projects according to stage gate needs
• Managing projects according STAGE GATE PROCESS methodology.
• Act as the R&D driver on product attributes definition vs consumer expectations as well as technical solutions within each program team, develop formulations and processes to deliver on consumer expectations, within project food safety, cost and timing requirements
• Develop formulations and processes while taking into account requirements of other functions such as science/claims, regulatoruy and quality.
• Contribute to innovation/productivity pipeline outside chartered program work by engaging with broader plant-based community, key stakeholders, suppliers, external partners, etc.
• Design pilot trials (DOE), organize tastings sessions with Marketing, and draw conclusions and recommendations for next steps.
• Drive continuous improvement across all areas of the role including systems, established ways of working, and manufacturing procedures
• Participate in consumer test design, organize sample production and ensure product quality follow up.
• Realize scale up / industrialization with Engineering and Manufacturing departments.
• Collaborate with suppliers to obtain best results for product development (brief suppliers and follow up on their progress)
• Participate as an R&D representative for product launch/start up by preparing all specifications related to product line (except packaging) and ensure that all documentation needed is available prior to start up.
• Planning, executing, and managing the development of prototype products in lab, pilot plant and at production facilities. Maintaining strigent technical and experimental documentation.
• Sourcing and maintaining vendor relationships to secure the necessary ingredients that align with prevailing company standards. Evaluating new suppliers and/or ingredients.
• Develop and manage project timelines, ensuring that all project milestones are met.
• Network with global R&D community to share in best practices.

The base compensation range for this position is $75,000-90,000 commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, or closely related field preferred with at least 3 years of relevant progressive experience
• Master’s Degree in Food Science, or closely related field preferred with at least 1 year of relevant progressive experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong technical skills on product formulation, industrial processes, and product-process interactions
• Flexibility to travel (25-50%)
• Strong project management/organization and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and able to train staff.
• Proficient in product development systems and general computer skills
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage and track multiple projects
• Passionate about continuous improvement and optimization of ways of working
• Solid technical knowledge of product development lifecycle and manufacturing scale up (bench scale to pilot scale and/or full manufacturing)
• Comfortable and passionate about creating, rapid prototyping, development and commercialization of ideas under tight timelines.

At Danone North America, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world like Activia, Silk, Horizon Organic, Two Good, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working together to make sure our brands create real benefits for people, communities, and the planet. We have 6,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America doesn’t just welcome what makes you unique, we value it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all of our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect. http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

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