Sensory Technician

P.L. Marketing, Inc.•Cincinnati, OH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sensory Technician supports Kroger Our Brands and Corporate Food Technology teams with laboratory-related functions for manufactured and procured Our Brands products, under the direction of Technologists. The role helps manage new product development, coordinates sensory evaluations and product audits, tracks project status, and supports sample handling, labeling and preparation verification, food product evaluations, and general laboratory workflow. The technician also helps maintain safe, quality food production and supports the development, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of SQF Systems. This is a hybrid position requiring work in the Kroger office at least two days per week, according to the team’s schedule. The position requires coordinating the work demands of at least three Technologists and collaborating with the CFT Sensory Manager. The technician must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to analyze information, reach conclusions, and communicate results.
Ability to follow detailed instructions and quickly learn new aspects of the job.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and complete multiple assignments concurrently.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, calendar booking, and other database systems.
Ability to prioritize and organize responsibilities around changing and challenging deadlines.
Ability to cook and coordinate multiple cooking activities.
Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
Adaptability to last-minute changes and shifting priorities.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to stand up to 7.5 hours per day, multiple times a week, during most weeks.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to tolerate temperature fluctuations and work in cold areas such as freezers.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

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.
Experience serving as a support person for 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.
Independently 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 duties independently as needed to ensure smooth laboratory workflow, as directed by a Technologist.
Coordinate the work demands of 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.
Meet Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles.
Work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment while multitasking and adapting to shifting priorities.