Sensory Technician

P.L. Marketing•Cincinnati, OH

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sensory Technician supports Kroger’s Our Brands and Corporate Food Technology teams with laboratory functions for manufactured and procured Our Brands products, working under the direction of Technologists and assisting other lab technicians as needed. The role supports new product development, sensory evaluations, product quality, and the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. The position is hybrid and requires work in a Kroger office at least two days per week, based on the team’s schedule. The technician helps ensure work is performed safely, efficiently, and accurately in support of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR), Customer 1st, food safety, and regulatory and company requirements. They coordinate work for multiple Technologists, collaborate with the CFT Sensory Manager, and support the development and ongoing improvement of SQF Systems.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to analyze information, form conclusions, and communicate results.
Ability to follow detailed instructions and quickly learn new and different aspects of the job.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and complete multiple concurrent assignments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, calendar booking, and other database systems.
Ability to prioritize and organize responsibilities amid changing demands and challenging deadlines.
Ability to cook and coordinate multiple cooking activities.
Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy and precision.
Adaptability to last-minute changes and shifting priorities.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to stand for up to 7.5 hours per day, multiple times per week.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to tolerate temperature fluctuations and work in cold areas such as freezers.

Nice To Haves

A two-year culinary or technical degree.
Laboratory or food-related experience, especially science-related, kitchen, or restaurant experience.
Coursework in science, chemistry, biology, math, and/or statistics.
Previous experience supporting multiple people.

Responsibilities

Take a leading role in managing new product development processes for KLP and KMP items.
Initiate and maintain contact with suppliers to communicate needs.
Track and report project status to CFT Technologists and other business units.
Coordinate, set up, and assist with product sensory evaluations, cuttings, and audits, and communicate results.
Monitor and manage production samples and mail daily for quality and distribution, and manage sample retention.
Verify retail package nutrition labeling for accuracy.
Prepare recipes and verify retail package preparation and cooking directions for accuracy.
Use appropriate databases to meet business needs.
Assemble and prepare formulations and clean equipment and utensils as directed by a Technologist.
Participate in a wide variety of food product evaluations.
Perform general laboratory duties as required to maintain smooth workflow, as directed by a Technologist.
Coordinate work demands for at least three Technologists in a timely manner.
Coordinate and collaborate with the CFT Sensory Manager to assist with product sensory evaluations.
Report quality issues to a Technologist.
Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements.
Issue cutting and audit reports and paperwork as directed by a Technologist.
Manage daily and ongoing cleaning of laboratory equipment, dishes, and utensils, and stock laboratory supplies.
Calibrate and operate various pieces of laboratory equipment independently after training.
Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of SQF Systems.
Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.