Food Scientist

Position Title: Food ScientistPosition Type: Regular - Full-Time Position Location: Oakbrook Terrace Grade: Grade 04 Requisition ID: 30924 Role OutlineThis role reports to the R&D Innovation Director, focused on Front End Innovation. Working within the North American potato product development team, and in partnership with the commercial teams, this role will be accountable for technical project management and project execution to contribute to the potato business growth. The role provides technical leadership within project teams, across functions, and with stakeholders. Core Accountabilities/Outcomes:Technical Expertise Manage multiple product development projects from conception to commercialization Develop new product concepts and prototypesTranslate project objectives into experimental design and provide experimental/project conclusions, summaries and recommendations Develop and implement all product documents, specifications and related technical costing information Assist in the development and completion of project timelines Coordinate and oversee plant scale tests Communicate plant scale test objectives, special needs, accept/reject criteria to plant representatives and assure the objectives of the test are metAssist in process optimization projects and problem resolution with Technical Services, Operations, Engineering, QA and other departments as assignedEvaluate and adjust product and manufacturing cost parameters to meet operational and sales objectives Suppliers and Customers:Interface with customers, suppliers and co-packers, as required, to meet Department and Company objectives:Leads or supports assigned projects at co-packersRealizes customer needs by developing new concepts or product improvement opportunities, prototypes and productsCoordinates raw material sourcing, evaluation and improvement activities with suppliersAssists Sales and Marketing in developing and delivering effective customer presentations and training QualificationMinimum of 3 years of demonstrated successful experience in food product development or food scienceB.Sc. or M.Sc. in Food Science or related field Skills Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational skills with an aptitude for creativity, innovation and ability to resolve challenges.Comfort with ambiguity, required when working in Front End InnovationDemonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage timelinesProject management skills and experience completing projects in tight timelines using good experimental design techniques and practices. Organized and detail-oriented, with excellent record keeping skillsAbility to work independentlyKnowledge of food plant, process and equipment Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, Food Safety, Product Development CycleKnowledge of food preparation, consumer product testing, sensory testing and manufacturing operations procedures. Sound knowledge of food ingredients, and the interaction with processing and packaging. Working knowledge of general mathematics and scientific weights and measures.Ability to perform mathematical calculations and utilize statistical techniques to analyze and present data.This role sits within Global R&D team and is a fundamental part of North American Potato PD team.McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace.
As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs. Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the Global Employee Privacy Policy Job Family: Research & Development Division: Global Research and Development Department: Research and Development Innovation Location(s): US - United States of America : Illinois : Oakbrook Terrace Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.