Food Product Development Technologist

Position Overview
Request or procure all proposed and benchmark product samples needed to conduct product evaluations/comparisons. Inventory and manage all samples; ensure all samples required for a project are available on schedule. Receive and initial review of technical documentation accompanying requested samples. Stage products for evaluation and lead cross-functional meetings to execute the evaluations. Document evaluation feedback from project stakeholders to approve or determine next steps. Support Sensory Manager and Product Developers with preparation administration and cleanup of sensory evaluations.

Responsibilities
Collect all sample products required to execute a product comparison and/or evaluation may include procuring at various local retailers or requesting from new and/or existing suppliers.
Ensure all samples are available in a timely manner to align with project timelines.
Breakdown and appropriately dispose of all sample shipment packaging including ice packs and dry ice.
Confirm all required product specifications and documentation are received with samples and follow-up with suppliers as required.
Coordinate all product evaluations by scheduling people reserving rooms/kitchens and staging & plating products under the direction of the lead product development scientist.
Prepare food samples according to preparation instructions and the ability to taste all food product types (no/minimal food aversions) all under supervision of lead product development scientist.
Documenting all feedback into formalized evaluation reports taking photos of sample products as needed and supporting lead product development scientist to determine next steps.
Disposing of used product samples and cleaning & sanitizing the evaluation test kitchen area(s) after completing product evaluations.
Juggle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Update project trackers enforce scope and objectives that align with organizational goals.
Escalate project barriers and risk when needed to the lead product development scientist.
Keep all project stakeholders updated through constant communication regarding evaluation timing status results and next steps.
Maintain inventory tracking databases to manage and organize the product samples.
Support needs of multiple projects in various stages simultaneously.
Document results of product evaluations for review by the lead product development scientist and any subsequent communication to the project stakeholders.
Deliver project details for handoff to the appropriate implementation team member.
Label testing supplies and sensory room set up for sensory evaluations.
Prepare and serve samples during sensory panels.
Clean up after sensory panels
Adhere to all Technical Center SOPs and Companies policies.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or lead product development scientist.

Skills & Experience Needed.
Bachelors degree in Food Science Chemistry Engineering or other applicable science background or equivalent combination of education and related experience. Someone with a HS Degree and minimum of 4 years as a food server.
ServSafe Certification or similar required.
0-3 years food handling experience.
Intermediate culinary skills and the ability to prepare food samples according to preparation instructions.
The ability to repeatedly lift up to 40 pounds.
Excellent customer facing and internal communication skills.
Hands-on experience with managing project trackers and teams.
Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
Proven success in a corporate setting working with all levels of management.
Exceptional organization and tracking skills to manage hundreds of samples for each project.
Self-motivated and able to work autonomously with a sense of urgency and integrity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient in PC skills in MS Office (Excel PowerPoint Word Access).
Able to develop strong working relationships through teamwork and transparency.