Lead Nutrition Scientist

Position: Lead Nutrition Scientist (Hybrid)

Company Overview:

At Hartz Mountain Corp, our passion for pet care is the foundation of our operations. With a legacy spanning over 95 years, we are a prominent name in the pet care sector across the United States. Our commitment to innovation drives us to develop products that enhance the bond between pets and their owners, ensuring they experience the essence of Unconditional Love.

As pioneers in the pet care industry, we focus on advancements that promote the health and happiness of pets, leading to longer, more fulfilling lives. Our achievements are a testament to the dedication and diverse talents of our team members, who contribute unique insights and skills to every project.

We prioritize creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where individuals from all backgrounds are respected and empowered to excel. At Hartz, every contribution is valued, whether you are collaborating in the office or enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work model. Together, we strive to make a significant impact in the pet care industry and beyond.

What We Provide:

• Flexible hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office and 2 days remote)
• Competitive salary with 401(k) matching and immediate vesting
• Comprehensive health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life & Disability Insurance
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and additional perks
• A casual, pet-friendly workplace where pets are welcome
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Role Responsibilities:

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative Lead Nutrition Scientist with expertise in nutrition science to become a vital part of our research and development team. In this role, you will lead and contribute to product development initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional offerings for cats and dogs, overseeing the entire process from concept to market introduction. Your main focus will be on managing the commercialization of new product initiatives, utilizing your scientific knowledge, leadership skills, business insight, and comprehensive understanding of the pet nutrition sector.

A successful candidate will demonstrate a blend of scientific expertise, team leadership, and market awareness to create nutrition and wellness products tailored to the specific needs of cats and/or dogs. This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement.

Your Key Duties:

• Lead the identification, development, evaluation, and commercialization of new products and line extensions, ensuring compliance with timelines and budgets.
• Collaborate with internal manufacturing teams and co-manufacturers to establish processes that meet product design, nutritional, and quality standards.
• Formulate nutritional products for cats and dogs (e.g., treats) and utilize formulation software for data management related to raw materials, formulas, and finished products.
• Work alongside marketing to analyze consumer research data and develop products that meet the needs of consumers and their pets.
• Evaluate product characteristics (e.g., texture) and innovate to create new or improved products through effective ingredient selection and processes.
• Explore new raw material options, partner with co-manufacturers for procurement during scaling-up phases, and coordinate factory trial schedules.
• Conduct supplier visits for trials, ensuring product development and manufacturing conditions are met, and participate in production runs to verify product specifications.
• Develop and issue specifications for finished products and raw materials.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies through literature reviews, technical meetings, industry conferences, and training sessions.
• Design stability studies to assess and recommend shelf-life for finished products.
• Conduct biological feeding tests to ensure product palatability and efficacy with pets.
• Design protocols for testing products in home use environments.
• Actively engage as a member of cross-functional teams and departmental activities, including meetings and administrative tasks.
• Mentor junior scientists, providing guidance and support for their professional growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Processing, Food Engineering, or Animal Science (Master's degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in R&D food product development and manufacturing within the food industry; experience in pet food, treats, or animal feed is highly preferred.
• Prior experience in formulation development, conducting stability studies, and establishing specifications for ingredients and finished products, particularly in areas such as cereals, animal proteins, vegetable proteins, and functional sources.
• Experience in processing animal food, feed, and treats is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong time management skills, demonstrated leadership abilities, excellent interpersonal skills, and adaptability to change.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately twice a quarter domestically, once a year internationally).

If you believe this opportunity aligns with your expertise, we encourage you to explore this exciting role further.

Hartz Mountain Corp is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.