Product Development Scientist

Kroger•Cincinnati, OH

11h

About The Position

Provide depth of knowledge in food technology regarding product technical services and product quality maintenance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Corporate Food Technology in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR). Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Requirements

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in food science, dairy science/bakery science or related field
Experience in product development or plant production
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Excellent oral/written communication skills
Proven project leadership skills

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
Experience with multiple food and/or non-food categories
4 years of experience in product technical service or plant production
Experience managing diverse, complex or high-risk product categories

Responsibilities

Assist in evaluating and recommending new processes, programs, equipment and technologies appropriate to Kroger manufacturing, distribution, quality assurance or retailing
Work with internal and external teams to develop and improve new and existing product processes while containing costs and maintaining or improving product quality
Follow regulatory and technological changes that may affect the food industry
Assist in coordinating activities and projects with both internal manufacturing plants and external contracted manufacturers, both food and non-food consumer products
Provide leadership to manufacturing operations to troubleshoot product and/or processing problems and find solutions
Work with plant teams in resolving differences in manufacturing processes between multiple operation locations that will improve the quality and costs of products and increase efficiencies
Demonstrate excellence in project planning and execution through best use of resources to shorten the time to project completion
Effectively and simultaneously manage multiple projects for multiple customers
Perform pilot plant development work and conduct plant trials of new products and processes
Reformulate products as prudent to reduce ingredient and manufacturing costs while maintaining and/or improving product quality
Provide technical assistance related to testing techniques and quality assurance procedures for plants
Audit products for quality and manage audit follow-up projects to improve quality
Audit plant batching operations and analyze consumer comments
Prepare and maintain material specification documents
Work with Sensory Manager to organize and coordinate consumer panels
Review product label proofs to ensure compliance with all labeling and claim regulations
Travel as required for execution of essential job duties
Direct activities of lab technical staff as needed
Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation