Principal Food Scientist - Seasonings

Griffith Foods Limited; Alsip (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate R&D Scientist to drive innovation in the Seasonings category. This role involves executing R&D initiatives, managing innovation projects, and providing technical expertise to support product leadership. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science, with at least 10 years of experience, and a proven ability to conduct research and develop disruptive solutions. Join a collaborative environment where your contributions will significantly impact the company's long-term success and market competitiveness.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in food science or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and formula design.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical excellence and conduct innovative research.
• Manage and coordinate tasks for R&D Technicians.
• Lead exploration of new ingredients and processing techniques.

Skills

Food Processing

Innovation Management

Technical Expertise in Seasonings

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

BS in Food Science

MSc in Food Science

Tools

Innovation Process Management System (IPM)

Job description

Griffith Foods is a global manufacturer of food products. We provide a wide range of taste and texture components for food industry customers throughout the world. Our products include seasoning blends, dry mixes, coating systems, dough blends, crumbs, flavors, sauces and food bases that are used in an extensive variety of application from snack foods and processed meat and poultry to ready meals. Our customers include food processors, restaurant operators and grocery retailers. While our name may not be familiar to consumers, our products are key components of foods offered by many of the world’s best-known companies.

Position Summary: D escribe below the primary purpose and function of this job [in no more than 5 or 6 lines, why does the job exist?]

• Executes R&D initiatives for the Global Seasonings Category Team, with a primary focus on breakthrough and proactive innovation.
• Responsible for innovation project management.
• Enables product leadership in the Seasonings category to align with the overall business strategy and long-range plan.
• Provides technical expertise for the Seasonings category.
• Provides guidance and support to internal (regional) teams in relevant technical aspects for the Seasonings category.

Key Roles & Responsibilities : What are the core elements of the job duties, the primary day-to-day responsibilities & activities

• Hands on Scientist with a passion to drive technical excellence, conduct innovative research, and independently plan, design, and execute experiments to develop disruptive solutions in alignment with innovation plan.
• Responsible for the management, coordination and prioritization of the tasks, activities and duties of future R&D Technicians or Technologists reporting into this role.
• As part of the Innovation Process Management, understands and considers complex customer requirements across different regions (ingredients availability, product design, and legislative restrictions) as well as their operational processes and their technical requirements.
• Leads the exploration, evaluation and implementation of new and novel ingredients and processing techniques at bench or commercial scale as needed.
• Competent user of the Innovation Process Management system (IPM).
• Participates in global related technical taskforces in conjunction with Global R&D, Marketing, Culinary and Business Development.
• Maintains GLP's, GMP's, and all required laboratory records, using electronic systems and written protocols, to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Ensures the security and confidentiality of all information regarding Griffith Innovation or Client product formulas and related data.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Functional Knowledge: Describe breadth and depth of knowledge of functional work and activities required

• Supports the Technical Leader in communicating, guiding, and coaching support functions, in daily project plans, and overall scientific practices.
• Preferably with strong knowledge on Food processing, Food safety and formula design experience.

Business Expertise: Describe knowledge and expertise required about the business and industry in which the business functions

• Technical / scientific experience in the Seasonings category and/or broad experience within the food industry.
• Preferably with strong Protein Seasonings processing, formulation and application knowledge.

Leadership: Describe the nature of leadership required and guidance provided to others

• Demonstrates leadership skills when handling external collaborations (networks/ecosystems/partners) and representing Griffith Foods in professional business relationships with customers, suppliers, academia, government and specific food industry groups.
• Strong leadership skills that enable close relationship with Regional Category Managers to identify, support and align efforts related to Regional proactive innovation processes as well as Global initiatives that can be relevant to the Regions’ innovation pipeline or Future developments.

Problem Solving: Describe the level of analytical thinking required to perform the job

• Applies scientific and engineering principles in research, formula development, product technology, quality control, packaging, processing, shelf life and food applications.

Impact: Describe the level of responsibility and resulting impact on the business

• This role will drive innovation and technical excellence, significantly influencing the product category's leadership and alignment with the business strategy, thereby impacting the company's long-term success and market competitiveness.

Interpersonal Skills : Describe the level and type of “people skills” that are normally required to do the job

• Effective organizational and communication skills with ability to influence and collaborate with suppliers/stakeholders.
• Experience working in global roles with knowledge of different markets and cultures.

Job Requirements And Qualifications : Indicate the minimum and preferred education and experience for this job and any licenses and certifications required.

BS in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, Chemistry or a related science

Preferred Education:

MSc in food or related Science

10 years

Preferred Experience:

>12 years

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Griffith Foods believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. Griffith Foods does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of the following actual or perceived characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristic or information, AIDS or HIV status, order of protection status, marital status, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspect of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, participation in benefit programs, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

In carrying out our commitment to equal employment opportunity, Griffith Foods will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship, safety, and/or health risk. Applicants and employees requiring reasonable accommodations must notify Human Resources.