Principal Food Scientist

TreeHouse Foods • Omaha, NE

13d • $104,000 - $156,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Food Scientist is a technical leader on TreeHouse Foods’ R&D team in Omaha, supporting the Easy Eats business growth unit and Dough category. The role independently leads complex product development and commercialization initiatives, provides strategic technical expertise, influences business decisions, and delivers new products, line extensions, product improvements, and manufacturing solutions aligned with business objectives. The Principal Scientist serves as a subject matter expert and technical resource across cross-functional teams and business functions. Depending on business needs, the position may be an individual contributor or may directly supervise and develop one or more technical team members.

The role leads development from concept through bench-top experimentation, pilot plant validation, scale-up, and commercial implementation. It applies advanced formulation science, experimental design, analytical methods, and knowledge of ingredients, processing technologies, and equipment to solve complex product, process, and manufacturing challenges. The scientist also identifies innovation and improvement opportunities, leads research and corrective-action efforts, mentors technical colleagues, and guides cross-functional projects while balancing technical, operational, financial, and customer requirements.

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Omaha, Nebraska. The anticipated annual compensation range is $104,000–$156,000. Depending on the role and circumstances, the successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary merit award, bonus, and equity pay.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in food product development, food science, or related technical roles within the food industry.
• Advanced knowledge of food formulation, ingredient functionality, processing technologies, and product development principles.
• Strong technical leadership across multiple product and technology platforms.
• Expertise in experimental design, root cause analysis, and scientific problem-solving methodologies.
• Broad understanding of ingredient interactions and processing impacts on product performance.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and lead through technical expertise.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, be resourceful, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in grains processing, dough systems, baking technology, and related manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated success leading complex product development and commercialization projects.
• Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities, with a passion for developing others.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and influence strategic business decisions using deep scientific and product development expertise.
• Serve as a subject matter expert across multiple technical disciplines, internally and externally.
• Apply advanced technical knowledge to solve complex product, process, and manufacturing challenges.
• Translate technical concepts into clear business recommendations for leadership, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support customer engagements and sales initiatives by communicating product benefits, differentiators, and technical capabilities.
• Lead end-to-end development and commercialization of new products, line extensions, product improvements, and technical service initiatives.
• Manage technical projects from concept development through bench-top experimentation, pilot plant validation, scale-up, and full commercial implementation.
• Ensure development activities align with project objectives, consumer expectations, operational capabilities, and business requirements.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, and other teams to execute complex technical projects.
• Apply experimental design, formulation science, and analytical methodologies to optimize product performance and manufacturing success.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive activity, and ingredient innovations to identify opportunities.
• Initiate and lead research programs for formulation optimization, processing improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.
• Identify root causes of recurring technical issues and lead cross-functional efforts to develop sustainable corrective and preventive solutions.
• Evaluate and implement technologies and processes that improve product quality, performance, and business results.
• Promote continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, best practices, and technical advancement.
• Coach, mentor, and guide scientists and product developers across the R&D organization.
• Build organizational technical capability by sharing expertise in formulation, experimental design, processing technologies, and problem-solving.
• Develop cross-functional relationships that enhance collaboration and accelerate project execution.
• Lead and influence cross-functional teams to deliver business-critical projects on time and within scope.
• Build partnerships with Operations, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.
• Balance technical, operational, financial, and customer requirements when guiding project decisions.
• Drive stakeholder accountability and alignment throughout innovation and commercialization.
• Communicate project status, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to leadership and business partners.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits program with eligibility from the first day.
• 401(k) program with a 5% employer match and 100% vesting upon enrollment.
• Four weeks of vacation, five sick days, parental leave, and 11 company holidays, including two floating holidays.
• Paid training, tuition reimbursement, and access to DevelopU, an educational platform with more than 10,000 free courses.
• Wellness and employee assistance programs.
• Inclusive working environment and opportunities to participate in Employee Resource Groups.
• Potential eligibility for an annual discretionary merit compensation award, bonus, and equity pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed