Sr. Food Technologist Job in Potomac 20854, Maryland US
FORTUNE 500 FOOD/NUTRITIONAL COMPANY
Position Summary:
The Senior Technologist is responsible for the technical product development of all pipeline projects. This person will have a strong commercial acumen, able to effectively translate market requirements into the right product at the right cost. The ability to work closely with 3rd part suppliers and mobilize their resources to achieve objectives is essential. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the business (including senior management).
Key Responsibilities:
To be responsible for all technical and process aspects of a project from concept to launch.
Design and develop a formulation to a completed finished product specification, from a specified label requirement.
To optimize the taste of the product in line with consumer expectations
To organize and supervise the manufacture of batches of new product for customer assessment, clinical trials and product launch, as required; both for pilot plant and main production facilities.
To organize and supervise shelf-life studies during the development phase and beyond, to support assigned commercial product shelf-life at launch.
To select and evaluate optimal raw materials in terms of physical properties, stability, cost, synergy, process suitability, properties and legislative constraints.
To make recommendations on optimal product presentations to the RandD /Category business unit. To present all available options and recommend a course of action.
To look for opportunities for cost engineering in terms of raw material and process for all new and current products.
To proactively look for new raw materials / new packaging which could provide innovation in new product development. To do this via attendance at international seminars / ingredients exhibitions and by close contact with current and prospective raw material suppliers.
To proactively look for opportunities to innovate via the development and introduction of new process / technology.
To investigate technical complaints and problems on current products and make recommendations on ingredients / process changes to address these issues.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Extensive knowledge and experience of specific process technologies for liquid (beverage) products, and an understanding of the science behind the various technologies.
Demonstration of a high level of technical knowledge, both within the business and when communicating with key consultants, external experts etc.
To manage the technical aspects of product development projects and undertake project co-ordination of RandD activities up to launch for some projects.
To present technical information and project updates to senior management
To be able to compile a product formulation from nutritional information.
To demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying and solving departmental problems/issues.
To compile departmental procedures/methods, as required..
Requirement:
A Graduate with an honors degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or other related scientific discipline. May have a further post graduate qualification, e.g. M.Sc., Ph.D.
Min 5 years experience in a food manufacturing environment, with relevant product development experience. Expertise in liquid technology . Experience and or knowledge of sensory analysis as it relates to the development process would be a strongly preferred.
Success factors:
Ability to demonstrate professionalism and authority when interacting with external contacts.
An understanding of marketing, and specifically Nutricia business strategy within the clinical nutrition market.
Proficient in the use of various software packages and project management techniques