Sr. Product Development Food Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

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.

We make coffee, tea, and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier, and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

Scope:

The Sr. Food Scientist, Research and Development will lead and drive product innovation projects, product renovation projects, and alternate material projects for the company. Key categories include, but are not limited to, non-nutritive sweeteners, protein aseptic beverages, creamers, 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:

• Lead product development projects (innovation, renovation, alternate materials) from concept to commercialization.
• Provide leadership in food science and R&D within the organization.
• Design new products based on targeted flavor profile, texture, shelf life, and nutritional content while adhering to government and industry standards.
• Create nutrition labels and ingredient lists using nutrition labeling software and understanding of regulations.
• Develop specifications for finished products with physical, chemical, and sensory properties.
• Develop batching instructions for pilot plant and operations.
• Generate and optimize costs of formulations in collaboration with procurement and finance.
• Collaborate with ingredient vendors to obtain optimal product results, costing, and supply.
• Lead pilot and commercial scale-up trials and monitor initial commercial productions.
• Collaborate regularly with Operations and advise on solutions for production issues.
• Maintain and organize formulation records physically and electronically.
• Support logistics by verifying ingredients in inventory for maturity or stability, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.
• Work well in a team environment, offering support and assistance when needed.
• Be highly motivated and capable of working independently.
• Work effectively in a high-paced environment, multitasking across multiple initiatives.
• Ensure all activities follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and company policies and procedures.
• Follow GMPs, maintain sanitary conditions, adhere to safe work practices, and ensure product quality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field required; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of food industry product development experience.
• Experience leading product development from concept to commercialization.
• Ability to identify improvement opportunities and drive projects to completion.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and leading project teams.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills in English (oral and written).
• Proficient in mathematical skills and statistical analysis.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and complex software programs.
• Knowledge of government regulations and certification standards (Kosher, Halal, Organic, etc.).
• Able to multitask, work independently with light supervision, and collaboratively in a team.
• Enjoy working in laboratory and pilot plant settings.
• Fast learner, flexible, and willing to assist where needed.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to perform physical functions such as climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 40 pounds), grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Work seated at a computer and phone for extended periods.
• Work extended hours, including overtime and occasional weekends.
• Visual acuity to document records.
• Continuous walking in plant and distribution center.

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