Scientist, Product Development

Meijer•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

As a family company, we serve people and communities. When you work at Meijer, you’re provided with career and community opportunities centered around leadership, personal growth and development. Consider joining our family – take care of your career and your community! Meijer Rewards Weekly pay Scheduling flexibility Paid parental leave Paid education assistance Team member discount Development programs for advancement and career growth Please review the job profile below and apply today! The Product Development Scientist will be formulation and ingredient experts, responsible for designing new and improving all Meijer brand food products as it pertains to the product formulations. This role is accountable for creating the initial finished product specifications including collaborating with other technical experts. The Product Development Scientist also serves as a key technical liaison for Meijer vendors, including Meijer Manufacturing facilities, for new product launches and product reformulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, or similar degree
Minimum 3 years of food science/foods quality assurance experience; or 2 years experience with M.S. in a related field
Experience in food manufacturing environment, specifically in production, quality and product development
Knowledge of chemical, physical and microbiological properties of food/food ingredients
Experience in foods product development including optimizing formulations for quality and cost
Knowledge of food production and processing
Knowledge and ability to perform sensory testing on food products.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate throughout all levels of the organization
Proactive thinker and problem solver.
Proven ability to research and apply market/trend information.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Computer proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microstrategy.
Must be able to work autonomously on key deliverables
Knowledge of Food Safety and Regulations

Responsibilities

Partner with Meijer Own Brand Vendors and Meijer Cross Functional Team to develop and formulate food products for all Meijer Own Brands that meet the brand standards; optimizing processes for efficiency, quality and cost.
Lead, oversee and develop testing strategies using chemistry, microbiology and/or sensory science for new product launches and reformulations and to help troubleshoot any challenges.
Oversee product specifications development to ensure specifications are robust and meet brand standards.
Manage project timelines effectively to ensure all competing priorities are met.
Provide technical support and expertise for product scale-ups of new Meijer brand food products.
Responsible for vendor compliance of food safety and quality requirements for all Meijer brand food products.
Monitor, report and assist when needed as a technical resource for Meijer brand food product complaints.
Keep current with advancements in sensory and consumer research, ingredient technology and food science by taking advantage of technical journals, and networking with colleagues and experts in the field.