Senior Scientist, Product Development and Innovation

Tropicana Brands Group•Chicago, IL

2d•$71,000 - $96,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Tropicana Brands Group (TBG) is a $3 billion startup formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, aiming to revolutionize the beverage category with iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With a legacy of global leadership in orange juice, TBG is committed to preserving this heritage while driving innovation in other beverage areas, from functional smoothies to afternoon refreshments, with the goal of becoming the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages. The Research & Development (R&D) team is central to this mission, driving innovation, product development, and technological advancements. They focus on creating unique flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and improving formulations to meet evolving consumer preferences, managing projects from concept to launch. The team is also dedicated to sustainability, developing eco-friendly packaging solutions, and upholding rigorous nutritional science and regulatory standards, including validating health claims and ensuring compliance. Food safety, quality, and process engineering are paramount, with efforts to optimize manufacturing systems for efficiency and cost reduction. Collaboration with scientists, nutritionists, and engineers ensures products remain competitive, sustainable, and aligned with market demands.

Requirements

B.S. in Food Science & Technology or related scientific field; advanced degree preferred
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future
Must be located in Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment.
Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations
Domestic travel up to 25%

Nice To Haves

5+ years of experience in product development, beverage experience a plus
Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects
Strong working knowledge of product development protocols, including formulation, stability testing, product/package interaction, sensory and consumer testing methodology
Ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments
Project management skills required for developing project timelines with multiple cross-functional touchpoints, including management of project budgets
Ability to translate business objectives into strategic and tactical project goals and objectives
Ability to work with lab and analytical equipment (pH meter, Brix meter, centrifuge, analytical balance, etc.)
Proven track record in maintaining good working relationship with cross functional business partners (Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales, etc.)
Ability to work effectively and manage risk in a fast-paced environment with ambiguity and change.
Highly organized with great attention to detail and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unexpected requests.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute innovation, quality/product improvement, and productivity initiatives
Utilize scientific methods to develop knowledge that creates business opportunities that support the company strategic objectives
Develop product formulations that leverage expertise in food or beverage chemistry and ingredient functionality
Design and execute experiments, and analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process issues
Provide technical risk assessment and perspectives related to new product development
Leverage external and internal experts for key analytical, sensory and consumer research
Perform economic evaluations on ingredients, ingredients suppliers, and product formulations to drive profitability
Participate as an active member of cross-functional business development teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering and other groups
Develop and maintain complete product attribute specifications for ingredients and finished products
Utilize innovative and critical thinking skills to design solutions to for organizational challenges.
Tackle ambiguous problems to determine and prioritize business strategies.
Utilize outstanding teamwork, collaboration, communication and leadership skills to deliver cross-functional projects on time and on budget