Senior Food Technologist

Simmons Prepared Foods Inc; Siloam Springs (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Product Development Specialist to innovate and enhance product lines in the food sector. This role involves managing the entire product development cycle, from conceptualization to commercialization, while ensuring compliance with nutritional and regulatory standards. You will collaborate with customers and suppliers, lead supply chain initiatives, and support organizational goals. If you are passionate about product development and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values creativity and flexibility in achieving business objectives.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in product development or technical services in the food industry.
• Knowledge of nutrition and food formulation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage product development from concept to commercialization.
• Lead supply chain initiatives and evaluate raw material suppliers.

Skills

Product Development

Communication Skills

Project Management

Data Entry Skills

Food Formulation Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science

Master's Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Concept 5

Job description

Purpose of the Position

Responsible for developing new products and improving existing ones to meet strategic business objectives and customer support needs. Assumes ownership of a range of products or customer platforms, focusing on complete product line integration rather than just project management. Work is largely independent, with regular updates to the supervisor on project progress.

Essential Position Responsibilities

This is a Salary Exempt position.

1. Project and Product Champion: Integrate new customers into existing product lines or develop extensions/improvements. Meet with customers independently and with sales managers to define project scope. Evaluate target brands and demonstrate leadership in product design with strong communication skills.
2. Product Development: Manage the full product development cycle from conceptualization to commercialization, including formulation, validation, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with technical staff of customers or suppliers, develop, bench test, scale-up, and commercialize new products, ensuring parameters are optimized and plant tests are supported.
3. Nutritional, Regulatory, and Finished Product Compliance: Use formulation approaches to ensure nutritional adequacy, develop label decks, manage product testing submissions, and evaluate product non-conformance.
4. Process, Operations, and Supply Chain Support: Lead supply chain initiatives, evaluate raw material suppliers, and assist in process evaluations. Develop knowledge of critical process points and troubleshoot as needed.
5. Team Participation: Contribute to team development, communication, and implementation of policies. Foster cohesiveness and support organizational synergy.
6. System Principles and Objectives: Understand and support Simmons' operating systems, including quality, security, and LEAN principles.
7. Other Duties: Perform additional tasks supporting business objectives, with flexibility and creativity encouraged.

Physical Activities and PPE

Work involves computer use, verbal communication, working in various environments, lifting up to 50 lbs., and using laboratory or kitchen equipment. PPE as required.

Travel

Approximately 25% domestic travel to multiple facilities or customer sites, often overnight.

Technical and Industry Experience

Minimum 3 years in product development or technical services, proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with Concept 5 preferred, strong data entry skills, and knowledge relevant to pet food or food industry. Knowledge of nutrition, food formulation, and applicable regulations is desirable.

Education

Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science, or related field, or 4 years of related experience. Master's degree preferred.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.