Food Technologist

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION Responsible for the development of new products or the improvement of existing ones to meet strategic business objectives and support our customers. Products supported and project scopes are limited. Receives direct support from the Senior Food Technologist. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES (This is a Salary Exempt position) Champions projects and products. Under general direction, fits new customers into our existing array of products or develops line extensions or product improvements for existing customers. Meets with customers in conjunction with supervisor and/or sales account manager to define scope of new projects. Assists in target brand evaluation and monitoring efforts. Supports product development. Works to develop, bench test, scale-up, and commercialize new products and technologies in accordance with guidelines established in the Project Initiation Request. Factors include product attributes as well as development costs, finished product costs, and timing. Works closely with supervisor to assure that all parameters are optimized. Schedules plant tests and determines product disposal in conjunction with supervisor. Plant test support presence is expected in order to gain product and process experience. Supports nutritional, regulatory and finished product compliance. Utilizes existing product formulation approach to assure finished product nutritional adequacy (label and nutrition claim) applying statistical data from key raw materials (z values). Develops a label deck from a master formula which considers all potential processing locations and regulatory guidelines. Submits product for analytical or animal testing as required by supervisor and summarizes results. Provides process, operations and supply chain support. Supports supply chain initiatives including formula transfer among plants, evaluation of new raw material suppliers, increased or decreased use of existing raw materials, and evaluation of processing parameters. Assists in process and raw material evaluation testing as required by supervisor. Summarizes the results of previous tests and of sequential processing conditions or formula runs for a particular formulas to assist in troubleshooting and data interpretation. Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization. Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position. Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment, kitchen environment, office environment, and surrounding property. Lifts heavy boxes, equipment or other required objects (up to 50 lbs) as needed. Will use laboratory/kitchen/cooking equipment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment. Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or work-sites, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 25% travel. Technical Experience: 0-2 years experience in product development, technical services or quality assurance required. Must have excellent computer skills with respect to the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Concept 5 is a plus. Will be expected to quickly learn the business integration software suites including JDE and IQS. Strong data entry skills are required (accurate and efficient). Intermediate to advanced level skills in Excel and PowerPoint as well as experience preparing documents for presentation. Knowledge of nutrition and food formulation preferred. Industry Experience: Commercial product development experience in the food manufacturing industry preferred. Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Meat Science or Animal Science, or Food Science, or 4 years related work experience. Preferred Education: N/A