Principal Scientist, R&D - Product Dev
About The Position
This is a Research and Development (R&D) role leading Product Development initiatives for Kraft Peanut Butter within the Canada platform. The Principal Scientist is expected to provide leadership for and execution of projects. The candidate should have proven experience in peanut and nut‑butter product development, process scale-up, quality & food safety, and sensory science. Proven track record in developing new formulations, improving stability and shelf life of peanut butter, and expertise in processing equipment (roaster, colloid mill/homogenizer, cooler). Demonstrated an ability to launch high-volume SKUs, reducing ingredient cost, and leading cross‑functional teams from concept through commercial roll‑out. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic and cross-functional environment. This position requires an individual to manage multiple projects concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must. Key Components of the role Work with cross-functional teams acting as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects Demonstrates the willingness/ability to learn new product categories and/or processing areas Translate research findings and communicate to cross-functional teams Manage and execute product testing and qualification while working closely with cross-functional team members in laboratory and production environments Manage multiple projects concurrently and possess the ability to call out priority conflicts between a variety of business initiatives Mentor, coach and collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team.
Requirements
- BS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry with minimum of 6 years of experience successfully commercializing products end-to-end in the food or CPG industry or minimum 5 years’ experience with Master’s Degree
- Certifications – Oils/fats, Peanut council, six-sigma, quality certifications (Required)
- Technical depth in peanut product development: Expertise in fats/oils chemistry, peanut raw materials and processing, and formulation/stabilizer systems to control oil separation and deliver target texture/performance. (Required)
- Strong capability in aflatoxin/Salmonella controls and GFSI-aligned programs (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC), analytical/sensory and shelf-life testing, plus COGS optimization and supplier/vendor management.
- Executional excellence, personal leadership and customer focus a must
- Self-motivated problem solver and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex environment.
- The ability to plan, put together well thought out design of experiments, anticipate next steps and incorporate course corrections when hurdles appear
- Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead, coach and motivate others
- Highly motivated and ability to multi-task complex projects
- Manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work
- Strong understanding of Design of Experiments
- Fluent in French and English
Nice To Haves
- Scale-up and process development leadership: Proven ability to develop and optimize key unit operations (e.g., roasting, milling, homogenization, crystallization, vacuum deaeration) and translate benchtop formulas into robust, repeatable factory-scale production through cross-functional execution. (Preferred)
Responsibilities
- Work with cross-functional teams acting as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects
- Demonstrates the willingness/ability to learn new product categories and/or processing areas
- Translate research findings and communicate to cross-functional teams
- Manage and execute product testing and qualification while working closely with cross-functional team members in laboratory and production environments
- Manage multiple projects concurrently and possess the ability to call out priority conflicts between a variety of business initiatives
- Mentor, coach and collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team
Benefits
- Base salary for new hires: $96,200.00 - $120,200.00
- This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus, as provided for under the terms of the plan and governing documents.
- The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary based on the candidate's geographic location, knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.
- We offer employees (and their eligible dependents) affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savings for the future, as well as plans tailored to your needs and those of your family.
- Benefit coverage will be in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans and governing documents.
- We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire employees and their families to live a well-being-focused lifestyle.
- You can participate in a variety of benefits and wellness programs that may vary depending on the role, country, region, union status, and other factors related to employment status.
- Physical - Medical care, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, screenings/evaluations
- Social - Paid time off, holidays, leave of absence, flexible work arrangements, recognition, training
- Emotional - Employee and family assistance program, reward programs, family support program
- Financial - Savings/pension, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, disability, discounted benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
