Principal Food Scientist

Opta Food Ingredients Inc; Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SunOpta, Inc. in Eden Prairie, MN seeks a Senior Product Developer to advance dairy and beverage innovations from idea to launch. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with Business Management, FSQ, Sales, Operations and Supply Chain to ensure timely delivery and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities include formulation, ingredient sourcing, bench-top work, scale-up trials, and establishing finished product specs and labeling. Strong R&D guidance is essential to support customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science (preferred) or related field.
• 10 years of industry experience in product development for dairy/beverages.
• Knowledge of regulatory, organic, non-GMO and kosher requirements.
• Proficiency with Windows software (Word/Outlook/Excel).

Responsibilities

• Develop products from concept to production to meet specs.
• Lead formula development, ingredient sourcing and validation.
• Scale up trials across plant-based and dairy beverage lines.
• Provide technical support to Business Management, Sales and Operations.
• Manage multiple development projects within timelines; set specs and nutrition labeling.

Skills

Food preparation knowledge

Verbal and written communication

Multitasking and presentation

Lean Manufacturing

Momentum and drive

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or related field

Master's degree in food science (preferred)

Tools

MS Word

MS Outlook

MS Excel

Job description

Job Summary:

This position supports SunOpta’s commercial growth by developing new products and optimizing existing offerings to meet evolving customer requirements. The incumbent will work cross-functionally with Business Management, FSQ, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to drive innovation, cost efficiency, and key business initiatives. Responsibilities include ensuring timely delivery of product development and improvement projects, while providing expert R&D guidance to cross-functional teams.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop products (dairy, functional beverages, aseptic dairy beverages and others as assigned) from concept to production to meet customer specifications and needs.


• Responsibilities include product formulation, ingredient sourcing & validation (in cooperation with Procurement), bench top work, and scale up trials across the SunOpta portfolio (plant-based and value-added beverages, barista products, plant- and animal-based broths, BFY fruit snacks).


• Communicate, collaborate and provide technical support to Business Management, Sales, FSQ, and Manufacturing.


• Ability to manage and complete multiple product development efforts within specified timelines.


• Develop products within cost parameters as required.


• Execute sensory and shelf-life evaluation as needed on new ingredients and finished products.


• Establish finished product specifications (formula, ingredients, nutrition, allergen labeling) on new products and update as needed.


• Provide product information and technical support to customers.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.


• 10 years of industry experience in product development with relevant experience in dairy, functional beverages, and aseptic dairy beverages highly desirable.


• Knowledge of regulatory, organic, non-GMO and kosher requirements.


• Computer proficiency in Windows based programs including MS Word, Outlook and MS Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in food science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.


• Experience working with ultrafiltered dairy ingredients highly preferred.


• Manufacturing/startup production experience preferred.


• Knowledge of Genesis Nutritional programs a plus.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of Food preparation.


• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.


• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.


• Ability to create momentum and drive excellence.

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation: Up to 25%.


• This position will be at the SunOpta Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.


• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Approximately 75% of the work is performed in an office environment. 25% of work may involve being in the agricultural or manufacturing environment.