Sr Research Scientist, Nutritional Functional Bars

Herbalife•Torrance, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Research Scientist serves as an internal and external authority in Food science with a focus on leading the development of innovative nutritional and functional Bar products from concept through commercialization. This role partners closely with North America and Mexico marketing, global strategic sourcing, quality, regulatory, operations, supply chain, and external contract manufacturing partners to develop products that meet consumer expectations, business objectives, quality standards and manufacturing requirements. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise of bar formulation, ingredient functionality, process development, pilot, scale up and commercialization with a consistent track record of successfully launching products through third-party manufacturing networks. The position accountabilities include identifying, documenting and validating the appropriate ingredients, formulations and unit processes that meet product standards and requirements, including product costs, quality, safety and uniformity. The Sr Research Scientist is a key position in R&D and must inspire, energize and mentor junior staff with advanced technical knowledge, personal leadership, influence, thorough planning and aim for timely and appropriate results. Our product development team is collaborative, fast paced and cross-functional group focused on bringing innovative, high-quality food and nutrition products from concept through commercialization. The team values scientific rigor, innovation, accountability, open communication and a hands-on approach to solving complex formulation issues. Success requires the ability to work independently while actively collaborating with diverse teams and influencing decisions across the product development life cycle.

Requirements

Requires a four-degree college or university degree or its equivalent in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nutrition Science or related field.
8+ years of product development experience solving technical problems with high protein, low sugar, functional or fortified nutrition bars.
Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in product/process development with functional and nutritional bar formulas.
Drive company's initiatives for speed to market type projects collaborating with cross-functional teams
Business process orientation including adherence to New Product Process, testing protocols and appropriate Product Lifecycle Management (Oracle PLM) and laboratory notebook documentation
Experience in working in a GMP environment and leading external partners
Experience in functional areas that interact with R&D such as QA, QC, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Supply Chain and Project Management.
Significant hands-on experience developing exceptional tasting nutritional and functional protein bars
Ability to run a new product development project or reformulation and complete with limited to no supervision
Demonstrates success commercialization products through third party contract
Strong understanding of ingredients functionality including proteins, fibers, fats, hydrocolloids, sweeteners, fats, vitamins and minerals
Experience with pilot plant operations, process, scale-up and commercial manufacturing of nutritional bars
Knowledge of food process technologies including mixing, extrusion, slab forming, depositing, cutting, coating and packaging
Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, food safety principles and regulatory requirements
Excellent problem-solving skills, experimental design, statistical analysis, and technical trouble shooting skills
Ability to effectively communicate and lead in a cross-functional environment especially with Marketing and Operations team members.
Ability to convey technical issues and productively with non-technical staff
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Good technical and problem-solving skills; sound judgment and decision-making skills
Ability to navigate a fast-paced environment with multiple partners
Knowledge of Oracle Life Cycle management system used for product development
A standout colleague able to interact effectively at all levels of organization with sensitivity to diversity
Competent use of MS Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
Has demonstrated experience coaching, training and motivating product development scientists
Has achieved positive results adding recognized and quantitative values

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end product development for nutrition, snack, protein, functional and wellness bars from concept to commercialization
Develop innovative formulations that meet nutritional, sensory, cost, quality and regulatory requirements
Evaluate ingredient functionality, interactions, Millard reaction and processing impacts to optimize product performance and shelf stability.
Design and implement laboratory experiments, pilot trials, and manufacturing validations
Create formulations using new and existing ingredients and sometimes premixes of complex interactions requiring no guidance; ensure product complies to food safety, quality labeling, and regulatory requirements
Lead prototype development and iterative optimization based on sensory evaluation, analytical testing and consumer feedback
Partner with procurement and supply chain to identify and qualify new ingredients and suppliers
Lead technical relationships with third party contract manufacturers providing formulation guidance, troubleshooting and process optimization
Prepare detailed technical documentation including formulations, product specifications, manufacturing instructions, stability protocols and could help CM with commercialization reports
Plan and lead pilot plant, scale up and finally commercialization activities ensuring successful and on-time product launch for NAM and Mexico markets
Mentor junior scientists and provide technical leadership across cross-functional project teams
Lead IP and confidentiality, internally and when working with CMs
Develops and maintains a network of vendors, consultants, and educators in order to demonstrate emerging and enabling technologies and drives new technology advancement.
Leverages statistical tools in implementing formula and process changes
Effectively lead multiple development projects while meeting high-reaching timelines and business objectives