R&D Scientist II (multiple positions)

General Mills•Minneapolis, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.

Requirements

Master’s degree in food science, meat science, or related field and 3 years of experience in the job offered or in a product development and project leadership- related occupation.
Applying thermal processing principles in the food industry, including heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, and overseeing retort and/or extrusion processes for prototype testing and actively troubleshooting process-related issues.
Applying food science, chemistry, and meat or meat-alternative processing knowledge to the formulation of food, including wet pet food production.
Collaborating across internal functional teams (Marketing, Finance, Commercialization), and external partners to drive successful project and strategic execution in a global food company.
Conducting consumer interviews and applying the findings into actionable directions and solutions for ongoing projects and product development.
Designing and executing pilot plant tests to assess the commercial viability of multiple benchtop prototype product enhancements.
Working with food ingredient functionalities and applications within complex food systems, including starches, proteins, fats, and hydrocolloids, and their impact on food product texture and functionality to achieve desired outcomes.
Managing projects, including leading and participating in cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet critical path and timeline requirements.
Leading and mentoring a small research team including overseeing their research project planning and experimental plans.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with business teams and external partners to identify opportunities for innovation, product improvements or cost improvements by challenging assumptions.
Lead the development of great tasting, wholesome and nutritious wet petfood products that delight pets and pet parents.
Manage and lead multiple technically complex projects from creation through commercialization by prioritizing work, coaching, and influencing others.
Create technical plans, timelines, risk assessments, and mitigation plans so you may execute product commercialization efficiently and with excellence.
Independently consult, design, and manage the appropriate testing required to meet business needs, enhance foundational knowledge and/or deliver bottom line cost savings.
Navigate the General Mills and Blue Buffalo matrix to efficiently vet ideas and complete initial feasibility assessments as you scale-up from bench to pilot plant to production.
Communicate effectively with marketing and business team partners to influence pipeline and strategy.