Lead Scientist, FH&S Product Development

The J.M. Smucker Company; Orrville (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company seeks a Scientist, FH&S Product Development in Orrville, OH to lead formulation and process development for Uncrustables breads and sandwich products, balancing technical, operational, financial, and market needs.

Apply rigorous experimentation, define learning plans, and guide lab, pilot plant, and scale-up work while coaching others and strengthening the technical community across functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or other scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of technical experience in R&D or related discipline, preference in Human Food, Bakery, and/or Snacks.
• Strong foundation in food formulation, product development, process engineering, or related technical work.
• Strong working knowledge of stage gate processes, product specifications, technical documentation, and data governance across varied levels of complexity.
• Ability to define experimental approaches, apply statistical analysis, and translate complex data into holistic, actionable recommendations.
• Food safety foundation; PCQI training a plus.
• Strong communicator who can connect technical findings to broader business considerations and influence cross-functional and R&D leadership audiences.
• Independent problem solver who can lead complex work across disciplines and evaluate technical, operational, and financial trade-offs.
• Builds credibility across functions, coaches others in the discipline, and contributes to a strong technical community.
• Uses data visualization and storytelling to influence decisions and clarify complex recommendations.
• Demonstrates continuous learning and flexibility to support business needs, including hybrid work expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development for new and existing Uncrustables breads and sandwich products, integrating ingredient, formula, process, business, and market considerations.
• Independently frame complex business problems, define and lead detailed learning plans, and recommend clear solutions and paths forward.
• Serve as a project team member or technical lead on higher-complexity innovation, renovation, and transformation initiatives with significant technical unknowns.
• Define experimental and research strategies; lead lab, pilot plant, scale-up, and manufacturing work; and guide or delegate execution as appropriate.
• Interpret complex data holistically, apply experience across disciplines, and translate findings into recommendations that address technical, operational, and financial feasibility.
• Lead exploration of strategic technical advancements, including new platforms, methodologies, capabilities, and defensive intellectual property opportunities.
• Demonstrate technical readiness for complex initiatives, collaborate across functions and external networks, and influence shared project and business objectives.
• Guide technical documentation and data governance, support scientific methodologies, and coach others to strengthen formulation and product development capability.

Skills

R&D experience

Food formulation

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Data storytelling

Hybrid work

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Food Science

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

The J.M. Smucker Company seeks a Scientist, FH&S Product Development in Orrville, OH to lead formulation and process development for Uncrustables breads and sandwich products, balancing technical, operational, financial, and market needs.

Apply rigorous experimentation, define learning plans, and guide lab, pilot plant, and scale-up work while coaching others and strengthening the technical community across functions.