Food Scientist II

Food Scientist IIDepartment: Research and DevelopmentReports To: R&D DirectorAt Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery, we make premium quality ingredient cookies and cookie dough for businesses of all sizes, from neighborhood gourmet markets to regional distributors, to national and international chains, and food service operations. We can also make products for any manufacturer or marketer of food or dessert items that wants to add these award winning cookies and cookie dough to their own brand lineups. Our unique ability to customize our product to your specifications is one of our company s strengths. From our own selection of Jimmy s branded products, to custom contract manufacturing, we are here to provide our customers with the very best cookie products.Job SummarySupports the R&D Director and assist in product development and production scale up along with daily execution of R&D related lab activities. Responsible for managing lab activities, technicians, and plant personnel when the R&D Director is off-site or unavailable. Provides periodical assistance to Quality Systems and Sales Team. Instrumental in executing R&D activities for Jimmy s Cookies to drive innovation, growth, quality, and profitability of the business.
Essential Functions & ResponsibilitiesCreates product recipes and assists in preparation, scaling, and baking.Prepares samples for customers and assists in selection of samples and shipping to the customer.Document s formulas and formula changes on continuous basis to keep them updated and current.Adds formulas and ingredients into company program on timely basis to provide nutritional information and cost for new formulations or changes in existing formulations.Evaluates current and alternative food ingredients to reduce cost, improve product quality, or provide additional vendor approvals for purchasing to resource from.Conducts sensory evaluation of new products or existing products for customer sample release, R&D product development, or quality assessment.Manages R&D lab activities, technician, and plant personnel as needed when R&D Director is off-site or unavailable.Orders lab supplies, ingredients and shipping materials for customer packages as needed.Keeps R&D lab clean and organized and manages inventory of retain samples.Trains laboratory technicians as needed to perform R&D activities.Participates in cross functional teams to ensure effective resolution of technical issues, support product development initiatives and provide updates as needed.Runs plant tests independently and/or with technician and documents processes, conditions, and changes.Supports quality systems with consumer complaint diagnosis and reply as needed.Trouble Shoots production and lab tests problems to come up with solutions.Develops and documents product specifications, includes photographs, measurements, and product detail for current and existing products.Conducts shelf-life studies and documents results.Prepares paperwork for 3rd party analysis of products and reports results.Tracks sample requests and deadlines to ensure that timelines are met.Participates in Sales and Marketing meetings for customer sample requirements and for new or existing product requests.Works with ingredient vendors for formula work, new product innovation and productivity opportunities.Requirements & Work Environment:Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Applied Science) or Culinary degree, plus 2
5 years of related experience.Experience in the Food Industry with Bakery experience preferredBasic to moderate knowledge of food regulations, nutrition labeling, ingredients, and ingredient functionality.Ability to calculate figures, amounts, weights, and measures.Moderate to advanced computer skills (word, excel, and database navigation).Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Excellent ability to communicate effectively, apply judgment and understand sense of urgency to support the sales, marketing, purchasing and production efforts.Bi-Lingual, ability to speak Spanish a plus.Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.Ability to perform physical demands of both office and plant work. Physical requirements may include the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 30 lbs. Work involves sitting, walking and/or standing for extended periods of time.At times, the position interacts and comes into contact with a production, manufacturing, and warehouse environment, which presents the following:Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally high.Use of protective hair, eye, and clothing coverings necessary when entering production area.Products manufactured in the facility may contain peanuts, tree nuts, and other potential allergens.Jimmy s Gourmet Bakery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate in employment based on sex, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or political status, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, civil union status, atypical heredity, cellular or blood trait, genetic information, disability (including AIDS or HIV infection), gender identity or expression, liability for service in the military, and/or any other characteristic protected by law