Chocolate Technologist

Ghirardelli Chocolate; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghirardelli Chocolate is seeking a Chocolate Technologist in California with 3-5+ years of experience in turning concepts into commercial products. The role focuses on developing and renovating chocolate formulas for confections, collaborating with suppliers, and executing bench-top samples and plant trials.

You will independently analyze data, write technical reports, and contribute to shelf-life studies and sensory evaluations while aiming to advance new and improved products across seasonal

Qualifications

• BS in food science or related field required.
• 3-5+ years in product development taking products from concept to commercialization.
• Experience formulating and renovating chocolate products.
• Ability to lead plant trials and write technical reports.
• Strong data analysis and bench-top sample development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and renovate product formulas for confections.
• Create hand-made bench-top samples of new or existing products.
• Plan and lead plant trials and factory demos.
• Analyze data and provide reports with recommendations.
• Support shelf life studies and sensory evaluation tests.

Skills

Product Development

Chocolate Formulation

Data Analysis

Technical Writing

Lab & Benchtop Samples

Project Leadership

Independent Work

Education

BS in food science

Job description

WHO WE AREAt Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.Job SummaryThe Chocolate Technologist is someone with a background in Product Development that ideally has at least 3-5 years of experience in the chocolate industry taking products from concept to commercialization. They should have experience in formulating and renovating chocolate products as well as some experience overseeing these projects. They should be starting to work independently and possess a desire to grow and develop further in this field.The Chocolate Technologist has a degree in food science or a closely related degree field, and will support the confections business (chocolate squares, seasonal shapes and bars) on projects that can include but are not limited to: developing new products and the renovation of existing formulas and ingredients in order to achieve product improvements or supply assurance. The Chocolate Technologist also prepares benchtop samples, conducts shelf life studies, supports sensory evaluation tests, executes raw material supplier set up and qualification, maintains accurate development records, executes factory trials, writes reports and makes recommendations.Develop and/or Renovate product formulas (internal or co-manufactured) and ingredients as needed in order to meet company objectives and quality requirementsCreate hand-made/bench top samples of new and/or existing productsCollaborate with external ingredient suppliersIndependent and working knowledge of innovation stage gate process and use of all product and recipe systemsIndependently analyze data and write technical reports with recommendationsIndependently plan and lead plant trials (internal or co-manufactured)Minimum Education & Experience RequiredBS in food science, food technology, chemistry, chemical/biological/food engineering or closely related degree required3-5+ years of related experience in Product Development taking products from concept to commercializationPrevious industrial chocolate experience heavily preferredPhysical, Mental, & Environmental RequirementsOccasional to Constant Repetitive Fine Manipulation (keyboarding, writing, sample making)Rare to Occasional Simple GraspingOccasional to Constant SittingRare to Occasional WalkingOccasional twisting of the neck and waistOccasional to Constant Reaching at or below the Shoulder levelAbility to travel to various locations across the country or local travel to meetingsOccasional to Frequent usage of verbal communication equipment (telephone, radio, cellular)Rare to occasional squatting (filing & retrieving files) · Rare to Occasional ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.Salary Range: $83,800 - $108,929