Scientist, Quality – Food Safety

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 77,800 - 97,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision

Paid Time Off, Company Holidays

401k, Life Insurance

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Food Safety Specialist based in Glenview, IL. The role supports the implementation of key food safety attributes in product design. Responsibilities include providing scientific support, conducting validation studies, and working cross-functionally with various business units.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Microbiology, along with 2+ years of relevant experience and knowledge of HACCP practices. A competitive salary range of $77,800 to $97,300 is offered, along with various benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in food safety or food product development.
• Experience with microbiology laboratory techniques and rapid test methods.
• Prior HACCP certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical food safety support to business partners.
• Conduct validation studies and assess validity of data.
• Work cross-functionally to establish food safety specifications.

Skills

Knowledge and implementation of HACCP and Food Safety practices

Excellent communication skills

Action oriented with good project management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Food Microbiology

Tools

Microbiology laboratory techniques

HACCP certification

Job description

Job Summary

This role supports the implementation and execution of key food safety design product attributes within the US and Canada Zones. Role includes reviewing product/process design with R&D to ensure food safety is assured in every phase of the product design and commercialization. The position provides HACCP plan development and validation support to internal/external plants, creating ingredient and/or finish product specifications, validated cooking instructions and Design Safety Analysis (DSA) assessments. This position builds an awareness of regulatory requirements directly related to the product category supported so to advise category business partners. The person will work with various Business Units on food safety related design issues, collaborating with Quality and R&D personnel to address significant product changes.

Key Components Of The Role

• This role provides scientific and technical food safety support to US and Canadian business partners to ensure product safety and quality by participating in evaluation of suppliers and external manufacturers. Identify and communicate food safety risks to BU/Region, giving actionable advice on Food Safety status of products in scope.
• Conduct validation of designed HACCP preventive controls (Cooking, formulation, etc.) and assess validity of data obtained by others.
• Work with Product Development/R&D to design in food safety/quality controls, Design Safety Assessments (DSA), cooking instruction validations, and provide general product risk evaluations to the Business Unit.
• Work Cross-functionally with Quality, Supplier food safety, and procurement to establish food safety specifications for ingredients and ensure compliance.
• Design and complete challenge studies, shelf-life studies and validation studies to establish critical limits for critical processes. Partner with external institutions and business partners to update/maintain CCP models.
• Conduct validation studies to evaluate and approve microbiological test methods (rapid and cultural) for the Kraft Heinz Laboratory network.
• Remain current in scientific and regulatory principles of food safety to ensure most relevant information and emerging issues are identified and incorporated into Kraft Heinz food safety programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field required. Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Food Microbiology is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience of relevant food safety or food product development experience required.
• Prior HACCP certification preferred.
• Knowledge and implementation of HACCP and Food Safety practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements.
• Experience with microbiology laboratory techniques and rapid test methods.
• Awareness of quality systems/processes (ISO, Six Sigma etc.)
• Excellent communication skills (presentation, report writing, guiding/training).
• Work experience in team-oriented functions as well as individual contribution.
• Action oriented with good project management skills.
• Travel requirements up to 20% a year.

Compensation and Benefits

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range: $77,800.00 - $97,300.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.