Ingredient Portfolio Specialist

Agrana•Cleveland, OH

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

AGRANA Fruit US, Inc. is seeking an Ingredient Portfolio Specialist to join the Ingredient Portfolio Management team at its corporate headquarters in Brecksville, Ohio. The role supports the evaluation and implementation of material substitutions to achieve cost savings, maintain supply continuity, and reduce expired materials. It also serves as an interface among Procurement, Sales, Quality, and New Product Development (NPD), supporting collaboration across these functions.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or another applicable science field.
At least three years of experience in food product development.
Strong working knowledge of food ingredients and applicable raw materials.
Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.
Strong decision-making skills.
Results-driven approach.
Ability to learn quickly.
Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
General business acumen.
SAP or other application-system experience.

Responsibilities

Execute the material substitution process from request through implementation.
Perform laboratory testing and experimentation to assess whether potential material substitutions are viable and meet fruit preparation sensory and quality specifications.
Identify potential raw material exchange targets by assessing product specifications and recipes.
Create and schedule pilot plant batches for analytical and sensory evaluation.
Establish new recipes with developers, Sales, Operations, Quality, and Purchasing stakeholders.
Maintain transparency and accuracy of data throughout the ingredient project lifecycle using relevant tools.
Participate in raw material supplier discussions and events.
Advise NPD on potential uses of existing materials in new products.
Manage the AFUS laboratory flavor inventory.
Organize local sensory tests for material substitutions, including sample preparation, panel invitations, results analysis, and conclusions.