Site Food Scientist II

Post Holdings, Inc.; Troy (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Post Consumer Brands in Troy, Alabama is seeking a Site Food Scientist II to act as the plant's frontline technical expert, driving product quality, manufacturing excellence, and food safety initiatives at the 78 million pounds per year peanut butter facility with 130+ team members.

You will lead process improvements, support new formulas, verify equipment changes, and coordinate product introductions while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to optimize safety, quality, and cost

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 2–5 years in food manufacturing, product development, or process engineering.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with cross‑functional teams and project management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the plant's frontline technical resource for product quality, safety, and process improvements.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for new formulas, ingredients, and equipment.
• Lead efforts to sustain finished product quality and process efficiency.
• Coordinate commercialization of changes and support new product launches.
• Maintain SQF-compliant food safety programs and quality systems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Food safety

Problem solving

Mentoring

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Engineering

Job description

Location Description

Headquartered in Lakeville, Minn., Post Consumer Brands, a business unit of Post Holdings, Inc., is dedicated to providing people and their pets with delicious food choices for every taste and budget. The company's portfolio includes beloved brands such as Honey Bunches of Oats, PEBBLES, Grape-Nuts and Malt-O-Meal cereal and Peter Pan peanut butter, as well as Rachael Ray Nutrish, Kibbles 'n Bits and 9Lives dog and cat food. Post also provides private label solutions to customers in pet food, cereal, nut butters and granola. As a company committed to high standards of quality and to our values, we are driven by one idea: To make lives better by making delicious food accessible for all.

The Troy, Alabama plant produces peanut butter, with annual production of approximately 78 million pounds. The site supports a team of more than 130 manufacturing and support employees. Troy is a growing community in southeast Alabama and is home to Troy University, one of the largest universities in the state. The university brings energy, cultural opportunities, and community engagement to the area. Troy offers a welcoming small‑town atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and access to outdoor recreation, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Responsibilities

Post Consumer Brands is seeking a Site Food Scientist II to join the Troy, Alabama manufacturing facility. Our Troy plant produces approximately 78 million pounds of peanut butter annually, including the iconic Peter Pan peanut butters and spreads. With more than 130 team members, the facility plays a critical role in supporting Post’s grocery portfolio and delivering quality products to consumers across the country. As the Site Food Scientist II, you will serve as the plant’s frontline technical expert, helping drive product quality, manufacturing excellence, food safety, process improvements, and innovation commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the frontline technical resource for sustaining and improving ingredient and product performance, as well as plant KPIs related to safety, quality, yield, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide technical support, validation, and troubleshooting for new formulas, ingredients, processes, and equipment implementations.
• Lead efforts to improve and sustain finished product quality, consistency, and identity at the plant level.
• Act as the plant representative and technical consultant for product and process changes.
• Coordinate commercialization activities for changes to existing products and support new product launches.
• Support, implement, and maintain food safety programs, food safety culture initiatives, and quality systems in compliance with SQF requirements.
• Provide daily technical support to manufacturing teams to achieve operational performance targets.
• Validate process and product parameter changes related to equipment, processing conditions, and product formulations.
• Support corporate cost‑savings initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain and analyze manufacturing data to support operational decision‑making and process optimization.
• Generate, revise, and maintain production work instructions and process documentation.
• Advise on process safety opportunities and support plant safety initiatives.

Leadership & Technical Accountability

• Serve as a subject matter expert on ingredient functionality, product characteristics, and manufacturing processes.
• Train, mentor, and coach technical personnel and operators.
• Identify and share best practices across manufacturing locations.
• Lead formula, ingredient, and process improvement projects to optimize efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
• Participate in and lead cross‑functional teams to solve complex manufacturing and quality challenges.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, mentor, and achieve results through others.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience leading or supporting cross‑functional teams and driving consensus.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Passion for food safety and maintaining a safe, respectful work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
• Results‑oriented mindset focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and supporting business growth.
• Strong change management and collaboration skills.

Education

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or another related technical discipline.

Experience

• 2–5 years of experience in:
  • Food manufacturing
  • Product development
  • Process engineering
  • Process development
  • Or a related technical food manufacturing role
• Experience with nut butters, fat‑based fillings or spreads, or fats and oils is preferred, but not required.

Why Troy, Alabama?

Troy is a growing community in southeast Alabama known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of connection. Home to Troy University, the city benefits from a vibrant educational and cultural environment while maintaining an affordable cost of living. Residents enjoy access to outdoor recreation, a family‑friendly lifestyle, and the opportunity to build a rewarding career in a thriving manufacturing community.