Sr Product Development Scientist-Dairy

Kroger•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

Provide DAIRY SCIENCE technical and scientific leadership for product development and quality support functions to assure safety and quality of Kroger Corporate Brand products for Kroger Dairy Business Unit. Monitor the quality of Corporate Brand products and ensure Kroger Dairy manufacturing plants and outside suppliers develop and commercialize products according to the company's food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Requirements

Minimum Bachelor's degree in food science technology, dairy or bakery science, food microbiology or a bachelor’s degree with adequate industry experience
5+ years of experience in DAIRY product development
Strong critical thinking skills
Strong attention to detail, with a high degree of accuracy and precision
Strong oral and written communication skills
Proven excellence in problem solving and cross-functional project planning/execution
Ability to support successful new or innovative product launches in a rapidly changing environment
Strong knowledge of key regulations associated with product development and quality assurance

Nice To Haves

6+ years of experience in quality assurance or product development
Plant experience in quality assurance, technical service and/or production
Advanced knowledge in a specialized area such as food microbiology, refrigerated foods, USDA regulations, specialty ingredients, or supplement regulations

Responsibilities

Lead technical aspects of DAIRY product development, product approval, and quality improvement processes
Partner to select raw material, finished product, and packaging suppliers that best achieve quality and cost requirements for Dairy New Product Development
Knowledge of standard Dairy Processing for key Dairy Categories: fluid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese, etc.
Knowledge of standard Dairy Processing unit operation(s) for pasteurization, homogenization, aseptic, hot fill, ESL, etc.
Work with Corporate Brands to approve procured products and the plants that make Kroger labeled products (KLP)
Maintain proficiency in all aspects of food labeling to ensure all packaging meets legal requirements
Monitor quality of procured products, address quality issues and work with recall coordinator to initiate product recalls if necessary
Work with the Corporate Food Technology (CFT) sensory group to organize panels
Lead technicians in properly planning and executing cuttings, audits, and lab development trial work
Prepare and maintain all necessary materials, formulas, and product specification documents
Analyze customer comments and resolve issues with manufacturing plants and outside suppliers
Lead the response to customer comment trends and prioritize product quality opportunities
Partner with Corporate Brands and Retail teams to lead product quality issues to resolution
Partner with vendors and Corporate Brands to monitor changes in targets
Travel to plants, vendors, and industry locations for execution of essential job duties
Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF 2000 Systems
Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation