R&D Food Scientist

Heartland FPG; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Food Products Group, Indianapolis, IN, is seeking a Food Scientist to lead product innovation and renovation across beverages, coffee, and related categories. You will drive projects end-to-end from concept through commercialization while ensuring regulatory compliance and high product quality.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Food Science (Master/PhD preferred) and 3+ years in food product development, with strong problem solving, English communication, and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field; Master/PhD preferred.
• 3+ years in food product development; beverages experience preferred.
• Strong problem solving, organization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with labeling, regulatory awareness, and GLP/GMP practices.
• Excellent English communication, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development from concept to commercialization.
• Provide leadership in food science and R&D areas.
• Design new products with flavor, texture, and nutritional targets.
• Create nutrition labels and ingredient lists per gov't rules.
• Develop finished product specs and batching instructions.
• Collaborate with procurement/finance on costs.
• Lead pilot and scale-up trials and monitor initial productions.
• Ensure compliance with GMP/GLP and company policies.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

English proficiency

Organization

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical analysis

Job description

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

Our goal is to transform the sweetener category from commoditized ingredients to a destination that unleashed shopper’s potential for better, healthier baking and beverages. We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us.

This role is on-site at our Manufacturing Plant in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Scope:

The Food Scientist will lead and drive product innovation projects, product renovation projects, and alternate material projects for the company. Key categories will include protein and nutrition beverages, creamers, non-nutritive sweeteners, liquid water enhancers, liquid concentrates, tea beverages, coffee products and flavored drinks. The duties in this position are expected to evolve over time as a result of the company’s growth and expansion into new technologies.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Leads product development projects (innovation, renovation, alternate materials) from concept to commercialization.
• Provides leadership to the organization in the areas of food science and R&D.
• Designs new products based on targeted flavor profile, texture, color, shelf life and nutritional content while maintaining adherence to government and industry standards.
• Creates nutrition labels and ingredient lists using nutrition labeling software and understanding of government regulations.
• Develops specifications for finished products with physical, chemical, and sensory properties.
• Develops batching instructions for pilot plant and operations.
• Generates and optimizes costs of formulations in collaboration with procurement and finance.
• Collaborates with ingredient vendors to obtain best product results, costing and supply.
• Leads pilot and commercial scale up trials and monitors first three commercial productions.
• Regularly collaborates with Operations and advises solutions for production issues.
• Maintains and organizes physical and electronic formulation records.
• Support logistics on the verification of ingredients in inventory for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
• Assures all activities follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and all required Company policies and procedures.
• Follows GMP’s, maintains sanitary conditions, adheres to safe work practices and ensures that product quality is maintained.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related disciplines required. Master Degree or Ph.D preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of food industry product development experience.Experience working with coffee, tea, or beverages preferred.
• Experience leading product development projects from concept to commercialization.
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Comfortable working cross functionally within a project team
• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills, proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading and writing English required.
• Excellent mathematical skills and knowledge of, or ability to learn, statistical analysis required.
• Computer literacy including competency with Microsoft Office and demonstrated ability to operate complex software programs required.
• Familiar with government regulations and rules of certification bodies such as Kosher, Halal, Organic, and others as applicable to business.
• Able to multitask, work alone with light supervision and in a team environment.
• Enjoys working in laboratory and pilot plant.
• Fast learner, flexible and willing to help where needed.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds