About the position
Roskam Foods is seeking a Senior Food Scientist to join our Research and Development (R&D) team in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1923, Roskam Foods has established itself as a leading contract manufacturing partner for renowned food brands, operating eight manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada. Our mission is to optimize the potential of our people and the brands we serve, and we are committed to purpose-driven leadership that generates value for all stakeholders. As a Senior Food Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in the creation, enhancement, and optimization of food products, leading research initiatives and driving innovation to develop market-leading food solutions. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of product development from concept to commercialization, ensuring that new products meet desired taste, texture, nutritional, and regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for developing prototypes, conducting sensory evaluations, and refining formulations. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers to align product development initiatives with business objectives, ensuring successful project execution. Your expertise in food science principles and extensive experience in product development will be crucial in helping our customers grow their brands through high-quality, safe, and delicious food products. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about innovation in the food industry and want to be part of a winning team that values collaboration and creativity. You will also provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment within the R&D team.
Responsibilities
- Lead research efforts to identify emerging food trends, ingredients, and technologies.
- Drive innovation by conceptualizing and developing new product ideas aligned with consumer preferences and market demands.
- Oversee all aspects of product development from concept to commercialization.
- Develop prototypes, conduct sensory evaluations, and refine formulations to meet desired taste, texture, nutritional, and regulatory requirements.
- Translate concepts into manufacturing-friendly products and conduct pilot plant and production line trials.
- Provide production start-up support and conduct shelf-life testing and sensory evaluations.
- Develop and optimize product formulations considering ingredient functionality, cost, shelf-life stability, and production scalability.
- Identify and evaluate raw materials and ingredients for use in product formulations.
- Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to source high-quality ingredients that meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
- Optimize manufacturing processes to improve product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Stay abreast of food safety regulations and ensure product compliance with relevant food laws and standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, quality assurance, and supply chain to align product development initiatives with business objectives.
- Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in food science and product development, staying updated on industry advancements and technological innovations.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to junior team members.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in food product development, preferably in a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) or food manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Roskam Foods' product categories preferred including snacks, confections, frozen breakfast/meals, cereal, granola or related product adjacencies.
- Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, sensory evaluation, and food processing principles.
- Proficiency in recipe formulation, ingredient functionality, and product optimization.
- Experience with food regulations, food safety standards, and quality assurance protocols.
- Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- Creative problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation in the food industry.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully lead multiple complex development projects simultaneously.
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to collaborate and interact with all levels and functional areas (internally and with customers).
- Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Life and disability insurance
- 401K plan with company match
