Product Development Lab Specialist

Refresco Careers•Columbus, GA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Refresco is the leading global independent beverage solutions provider, serving national and international retailers, as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. We are a solutions-based and innovative company that seeks out new challenges. The PD Lab Specialist will maintain vital functions of the lab such as cleanliness, organization, and restocking of materials. They will be responsible for the thorough execution of assigned projects for internal and external customers by diligently reviewing all supporting information. They will also support developers, other PD lab personnel, and other functional groups within R&D, understanding and fulfilling basic Product Development lab practices, technical responsibilities, and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

Demonstrate a willingness to learn, develop and perfect PD lab methods and practices.
Maintain all applicable documentation and records – sample log, specification logs, ACE, shipping documents and other tracking initiatives.
Take ownership of projects.
Take initiative in asking questions and collecting information to complete tasks.
Exercise independence and exhibit critical thinking skills.
Have an aptitude for mathematical calculations.
Communicate professionally with honest and constructive feedback.
Confidently share ideas and solutions.
Be consistent in information awareness by thoroughly reading emails and regularly referencing SharePoint and Weekly Action Plan and taking ownership of Planner tasks.
Embody the 5 Refresco values by demonstrating responsibility, entrepreneurship, agility, excellence and passion.
Foster teamwork, especially through providing assistance to fellow lab personnel.
Have the ability to notice, interpret and anticipate others concerns and feelings.
Demonstrate focus on desired result of self or team and drive to meet goals.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or related discipline, or have adequate experience in a beverage / food lab preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, clean and organized lab environment in accordance with GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices).
Show initiative in leading and maintaining assigned admin tasks.
Create and own the process.
Develop familiarity in proper use of lab instrumentation including microthermics, homogenizer, HTP processor and analytical devices.
Independently complete sample requests in a timely manner with proper execution from referencing SharePoint specifications to generating the lab formula, beverage creation, bottling, logging, labeling and linking information into lab database and communicating shipping information.
Upload all supporting documents to the ACE database.
Properly test specs and maintain lab inventory of juices, flavors, packaging, carbonated water and materials.
Show initiative and ownership in communicating with suppliers and supporting departments for material requests.
Develop knowledge in relevant use of ERP software (SAP), product development testing methods and technical competencies according to PD Playbook OneNote SOPs.
Support developers and other lab personnel in various development projects and all lab functions.
Learn to communicate professionally with and support all customers both internal and external.
Understand and support shelf-life practices including ring study, light stability testing and sensory evaluations.
Develop understanding of raw material qualification process.
Be able to independently operate SIMS sensory testing software for site taste tests.
Start building sensory experience relevant to job advancement.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
Short-term disability and long-term disability
Pet Insurance
Legal Benefits
401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
12 Paid Holidays
Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Days
Well-being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs