FOOD SCIENTIST: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

We are seeking an inquisitive, dynamic and friendly teammate who is extremely well organized, loves a good challenge and is dedicated to continuous learning.

The ideal candidate will have strong people skills and a willingness to jump in and help in multiple areas to enable the team to succeed, an ability to deliver on tight deadlines while ensuring day to day tasks are managed appropriately and a sense of humor combined with a sense of pride in your work.

ABOUT PARTNERS, A TASTEFUL CHOICE COMPANY

Located in Des Moines, Washington, PARTNERS, A Tasteful Choice Company is a growing cracker and snack business looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated people who want to be part of an energetic team and diverse work environment.

Founded in 1992, PARTNERS is a family-owned specialty foods manufacturer that creates delicious crackers and snacks for food conscious consumers looking for natural and wholesome products to share with family and friends. Since we started, Partners Crackers has been the Specialty Food industry’s leading specialty/artisan cracker manufacturer.

We’re passionate about creating great tasting, wholesome crackers, bakery goods and snack items. We innovate for our own brands and specialize in assisting brand owners and retailers with achieving their goals by bringing successful products that meet their prescribed details to market.

We provide unique product development capabilities focused on clean label products using innovation with attention to amazing taste while maintaining our commitment to our communities and the environment.

JOB SUMMARY AND MISSION

The R&D Specialist reports to the President and will assist PARTNERS in expanding and improving current product lines, will be instrumental in the development of new product opportunities as well as working on unique projects for external co-manufacturing customers. Primary responsibilities will include developing all new products and recipes, providing expertise in sourcing new vendors and raw materials for projects, creating nutrition & allergen labeling and supporting the product production specification process. As the new item process leader, this position will require extensive collaboration with QA, production, purchasing, inventory, and scheduling.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Recipe Development:

Develop and manage formulas/recipes and forms.
Ensure packaging labels conform to labeling laws.
Lead pilot productions & product changes.
Formulation
Write starting formulations and make formula revisions as necessary.
Execute formulas on the bench.
Update formulas with well-documented notes, next steps, and goals.
Lead plant trials
Ensure kitchen cleanliness.
Perform Sensory Evaluation reviews
Ingredient Management:

Source raw materials for new products/items (including for testing).
Manage raw material vendor documentation.
Work with QA Manager on ingredient approval
Compile and record testing data and charts for ingredient performance, production test information/summary, and on-going projects.
New Item Process:

Create and maintain accurate documentation of product concepts and ideas for future implementation.
Manage new item data collection in our NetSuite database.
Execute Plant Trials and qualification runs in coordination with production, QA, inventory, purchasing and scheduling.
Manage retention samples and track shelf line of plant trial runs
Coordinate nutritional analysis process for existing and new items.
Review production and quality data to create finished product specifications targets and min/max levels.
Support first production runs
Verify finished product nutritional and ingredient statements and coordinate with design team for accurate packaging implementation.
Prepare sample shipments, package, label and create applicable documentation.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required:

BS degree in food science & technology and/or bakery science
R&D in food and/or bakery manufacturing working as a technologist/specialist in the field : 5 years
Recipe development and procurement experience
Strong computer skills using MS Office products. Macintosh/NetSuite experience a plus
Understand FDA and all other applicable State and Local Labeling requirements
Effectively communicate with and develop working relationships with vendors and internal teams
Experience with new product development process, recipe creation, implementation, documentation and running new product launches
Have a clear understanding of food allergens
Experience managing short and long-term projects and coordinating with internal employees and external suppliers, vendors, and consultants
Preferred:

Strong understanding of a broad variety of starches and their properties and uses
Skilled at flavor/taste development
Culinary/Baking skills
Certified Food Scientist (CFS)
HACCP certification
IFT membership
Comfortable with and able to use industry resources to solve problems.
Familiar with and able to manage customer portal data entry. Enter all developed recipe and ingredient data into customer portal systems
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
Proficient user of Outlook, Excel, Word and CRM software. Experience with database programs, Microsoft SharePoint and Teams a plus
Able to effectively understand and follow a variety of guidelines and work procedures (including health, safety, hygiene and sanitation), alongside prioritizing and organizing workload
Able to work with a diverse work force, in a fast-paced team environment
Have a working knowledge of food manufacturing audits and audit programs
Able to learn and understand and develop the SOP’s, SSOP’s and Inspection Regulations in English
Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including cross functional peers, senior management, and plant management
Ability to handle and lead multiple projects using excellent project management skills at any given time in a team environment with a strong attention to detail
Proactive mindset, self-motivated, with an ability to handle project ambiguity and work with minimal direction and guidance.
Must be a good problem solver who is able to identify, interpret and analyze the correct data, and provide detailed direction to development projects.
A solid understanding of starch chemistry, component functionality, and ingredient interactions.
Knowledge of food processing technology, food cost and scaling, food sensory properties analyses, ingredient functionality, formulation techniques, ingredient regulatory framework, and food storage and packaging.
JOB DETAILS

We offer a clean, bright work environment with the sweet aroma of baking crackers, cookies, and snacks. This job qualifies for Health insurance, Dental and Vision after meeting the eligibility requirements. Other benefits include PTO, and an Employer matched retirement Simple IRA.

Work authorization:

United States (Required)
Physical Demands:

· Ability to handle hand tools such as mixers, knives,

· Ability to stand, crouch, bend, climb stairs/steps, and ladders on occasion.

The employee is frequently required to sit. Must be able to work at a computer, typing a majority of the day. Adjustable sit/stand desk can be provided.
· If you require alternative methods of application or screening, you must approach the employer directly to request this as Indeed is not responsible for the employer's application process.

Work Environment:

This position works in both office environment and the bakery manufacturing environment.
WISHA/OSHA Category:

This position works in an environment where there is possible exposure to loud noises, vibrations, varying temperature changes from hot-to-cold to freezing depending on the work area.
This position may be exposed to different raw food that may contain food allergens. For more details, please contact the hiring manager.
Responsible for wearing Personal Protective Safety Equipment and/or infection control attire.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Supplemental pay types:

Bonus opportunities
Ability to commute/relocate:

Des Moines, WA 98198: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Education:

Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:

• R&D in food and/or bakery manufacturing: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person

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