Senior Food Technologist (R&D)

Shearer's Foods Inc • Massillon, OH

49d • Hybrid

About The Position

Shearer's Foods is seeking an experienced Senior Food Technologist to join our solutions-driven R&D team. This role combines advanced technical expertise in food science with leadership in product development and commercialization. The successful candidate will lead and support the development of new salty snack flavors and seasonings, oversee junior staff, and collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams to bring innovative, high-quality products to market. This position plays a critical role in enabling Shearer's Value Creation Plan by driving innovation, process optimization, and product excellence. This role is a critical bridge between science and commercialization-turning concepts into consumer-ready snacks that deliver on taste, quality, and business value.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related discipline required; Master's preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in food product development, preferably in snack or CPG manufacturing.
• Expert knowledge of ingredient functionality, food safety, product formulation, and sensory evaluation.
• Proficiency with TraceGains and Genesis or similar nutritional labeling systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional product development projects within a Stage-Gate process.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills with ability to influence across technical and commercial functions.
• Experience mentoring or supervising technical team members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Willingness to travel up to 10% for plant trials, supplier visits, and customer collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasoning and product development from concept to commercialization ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Provide technical knowledge, direction, and leadership across product formulation, seasoning optimization, and process improvement initiatives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams-including Manufacturing, Commercialization, Procurement, Quality, and Vendors-to deliver innovation and value.
• Develop, plan, and manage multiple projects simultaneously across customers and categories, ensuring timely and successful execution through Stage-Gate governance.
• Conduct plant trials to evaluate and optimize new products, ingredients, and processes, including pre-, during-, and post-trial reviews.
• Execute analytical testing and shelf-life studies to ensure product performance, stability, and compliance with labeling and regulatory standards.
• Lead and support sensory evaluations, internal panels, and consumer testing to guide formulation decisions.
• Identify and deliver product cost savings, ingredient substitutions, or manufacturing efficiencies without compromising taste or quality.
• Leverage TraceGains and Genesis (or similar) systems to manage ingredient specifications, nutritional data, and quality attributes.
• Collaborate with sourcing teams to identify suppliers, evaluate new technologies, and ensure business continuity for critical ingredients.
• Coach and mentor junior technologists, providing technical and professional development support.
• Contribute to Shearer's Value Creation Plan (VCP) by enabling growth through innovation, health-forward formulation, and flavor expansion.
• Translate consumer and market trends into actionable product opportunities that strengthen Shearer's leadership in the private label and co-manufacturing space.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that advance Shearer's technical capabilities and product quality standards.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Flexible Spending Account, Retirement Savings Plan with Match, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Group Critical Accident Insurance, Group Critical Illness Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and numerous opportunities to volunteer in the communities in which we operate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees