Food Scientist - R&D

KIND Snacks•Chicago, IL

13d•$83,000 - $109,000

About The Position

Reporting within KIND’s Product Development team, the Food Scientist role is responsible for executing Product Development initiatives to further enhance KIND’s portfolio of healthy snacks. This role will be responsible for leading the development and launch of innovations, renovations, productivity, and quality improvements for KIND North America. You will have a visible impact to the Product Development Organization and help bring fresh thinking to evolve our processes and Ways of Working. Responsible for prototyping, formulation, pilot production and scale-up to plant implementation of innovation & renovation projects. Technical lead responsible for product development and product optimization, working in collaboration with project managers & the cross functional teams (following stage gate methodology). Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality for commissioning of innovation and renovation projects. Conduct trials, data collection and interpret results to drive program/project and technical knowledge forward, develop robust action plans, risk assessment and contingency planning. Possess strong product development skills in ingredient functionality, material selection and formulation to understand effects on finished product performance. Ensure compliance to internal and external policies, quality standards and legal requirements. Provides support in building technical expertise and maintain community of best practice to technical colleagues. Possess technical leadership to execute time sensitive programs, including new product line trials, alternate line qualifications and supplier/ingredient qualifications.

Requirements

A BS or MS degree in Food Science or Chemical Engineering
At least 4-6 years of relevant concept to launch experience in a Corporate R&D setting including experience in formulation, start-up & continuous improvement projects.
Ability to build strong trusted working relationships and rapport at all levels & demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Are familiar with the activities in Marketing, Market Research, Legal/Regulatory, QA and Manufacturing.
Be able to travel up to 35%.

Responsibilities

Executing Product Development initiatives to further enhance KIND’s portfolio of healthy snacks.
Leading the development and launch of innovations, renovations, productivity, and quality improvements for KIND North America.
Prototyping, formulation, pilot production and scale-up to plant implementation of innovation & renovation projects.
Technical lead responsible for product development and product optimization, working in collaboration with project managers & the cross functional teams (following stage gate methodology).
Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality for commissioning of innovation and renovation projects.
Conduct trials, data collection and interpret results to drive program/project and technical knowledge forward, develop robust action plans, risk assessment and contingency planning.
Ensure compliance to internal and external policies, quality standards and legal requirements.
Provides support in building technical expertise and maintain community of best practice to technical colleagues.
Possess technical leadership to execute time sensitive programs, including new product line trials, alternate line qualifications and supplier/ingredient qualifications.

Benefits

401(K) or RRSP's with generous company match
Flexible Paid Time Off. Choose what works best for you, including summer hours.
Paid parental leave.
Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you & your family’s needs
Company paid disability and life insurance to provide income protection
Our wellness strategy focuses on mental and physical wellbeing via programs like Employee Assistance Program, a wellness subsidy, healthy food options and gym facility in HQ.
Casual office dress code– feel free to wear your KIND gear
Stock up on your favorite KIND bars to share with your family & friends, through a quarterly voucher
Training & tuition reimbursement program, because continuing to learn matters and we support your development
A dynamic, ambitious, fun and KIND work environment
Charitable Donation Matching: KIND matches your charitable donations up to $1000 annually through our donation matching portal.