Food Technologist

About Us

Talking Rain is a leading beverage company that builds flavorful brands and creates connections with every sip. We're an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and practices inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.

Our Team

Our Research & Development team is proud of where we've been, but more interested in where we're going. This team drives creativity, growing our portfolio of products.

Job Summary

We're seeking a highly skilled Food Technologist to lead end-to-end product development projects from benchtop through commercialization and product reassessment. As a key member of our Research & Development team, you will be responsible for managing multiple projects of various degrees of difficulty, as well as more complex and long-term projects that require sustained involvement and coordination skills across several divisions and includes multiple outside resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and lead end-to-end product development projects from benchtop through commercialization and product reassessment.
• Manage multiple projects of various degrees of difficulty as well as more complex and long-term projects that require sustained involvement and coordination skills across several divisions and includes multiple outside resources.
• Responsible for leading and conducting trials required for product validation during the development phase.
• Identify and lead opportunities to plan, formulate, and research the development of new products.
• Use knowledge of flavors and flavor chemistry to develop formulas and provide direction in product formulation.
• Work with vendors and ingredient suppliers to develop product solutions, including optimal solutions for process implementation and improvement.
• Proactively identifies optimization opportunities for formulation and production - resulting in improved quality, efficiency, and reduced costs.
• Partner with our supplier and co-packer networks to deliver meaningful impact to the company (e.g., cost reduction, innovation, etc.) and to facilitate knowledge transfer and decision making.
• Analyze and present project results outlining and recommending the next steps to internal stakeholders.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time-management, organizational, problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.
• Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are always followed, notifying immediate manager of any food safety and/or quality issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• Strong working knowledge of food science principles, food manufacturing and package development processes and ingredient functionality.
• Minimum of 5 years of product development experience, ideally in the beverage industry.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.

What We Offer

• Three Weeks of Vacation. And that's just to start Spend some time with us, and you'll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status.
• Six Weeks of Paid Parental Leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.
• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it's intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.
• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available).
• Vehicle Program – Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car included Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles. HQ Directors/VPs – Vehicle Stipend – This role qualifies for a vehicle stipend equaling $650/$800 monthly.
• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.
• Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.
• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers.

Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.