Product Development Scientist for Cat Products

FreshPet•Ennis, TX

About The Position

At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet. IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH! What You Will Do Manage multiple projects and show technical competence in the planning and completion of assigned projects leading to the development and implementation into production of new or revised products without supervision Records, collates, evaluates, and interprets experimental data and makes appropriate recommendations to all levels in the organization through written or oral reports. Prepare and conduct meeting updates, product cuttings, presentations, shelf-life testing and cost analysis to project team members. Effectively organize R&D lab and R&D plant areas. Provide necessary technical support to vendors, customers and operations when needed. Set up and operate standard lab equipment / techniques Conduct innovation work sessions Facilitate lab, pilot plant or plant test runs When appropriate, supervises technicians, plant personnel and/or interns in the execution of experiments, plant test runs and product commissioning Independently carry out assignments and review data for accuracy and trends and communicate any concerns Effectively interact with cross-function project teams internal and external through written and oral communications and maintain current understanding of overall project status Collaborate with colleagues to make significant individual contribution to deliver goals and execute project plans How You Will Make an Impact You are expected and encouraged to use your creativity and curiosity to develop products that delight pets and parents. We focus on quality ingredients, cooked for ideal nutrient delivery, to deliver excelling products, particularly for cats. Innovations in product formats, processes and ingredients are our main goal. At Freshpet, innovation and new product developments are key drivers for our growth and differentiation. You will be a member of the R&D team, but will collaborate closely with Marketing, Innovation, Quality, Manufacturing and Ingredient Procurement teams. Teamwork and collaboration are the secret of our success. As a technical expert, you will be a reliable source of knowledge about our products and processes.

Requirements

5 years of experience in pet food industry
Strong technical knowledge in pet food product development and palatability is required
Strong problem-solving skills
BS/M/PhD Food Science, Animal Science or equivalent technical qualifications required
Ability to formulate, use standard lab equipment and conduct experimental procedures.
Computer skills with proficiency to formulate, construct graphs and charts, design presentations and evaluate statistical analysis modules.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and capacity to multitask efficiently
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work in a team and adapt to dynamic work environment
Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Responds well to changing priorities and quick turnaround projects
General laboratory experience

Responsibilities

Manage multiple projects and show technical competence in the planning and completion of assigned projects leading to the development and implementation into production of new or revised products without supervision
Records, collates, evaluates, and interprets experimental data and makes appropriate recommendations to all levels in the organization through written or oral reports.
Prepare and conduct meeting updates, product cuttings, presentations, shelf-life testing and cost analysis to project team members.
Effectively organize R&D lab and R&D plant areas.
Provide necessary technical support to vendors, customers and operations when needed.
Set up and operate standard lab equipment / techniques
Conduct innovation work sessions
Facilitate lab, pilot plant or plant test runs
When appropriate, supervises technicians, plant personnel and/or interns in the execution of experiments, plant test runs and product commissioning
Independently carry out assignments and review data for accuracy and trends and communicate any concerns
Effectively interact with cross-function project teams internal and external through written and oral communications and maintain current understanding of overall project status
Collaborate with colleagues to make significant individual contribution to deliver goals and execute project plans