Food Innovation Scientist

ILLES FoodsJob Description

Job Title:Food Innovation Scientist

Reports To:Director of Food Innovation

FLSA:Permanent Full TimeExempt On-Site

About Us:
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutionsfrom beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasoningsILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains manufacturers and retailersacrossthe Food Innovationexpertise creativity and speed to market combined with a laser focus on customer experience make us a key partner in product development. As a family-owned woman-run business our growth is fueled by deeply held values:operatingwith integritymaintainingintentional curiosity and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners internal and external.

Job Summary:
The Successfulcandidatewill lead and drive product innovation projects product renovation projects and alternate material projects from ideation through commercialization. Key product categories include but are not limitedtoseasoning blends sauces syrups marinadesand this role you will work closely with customers and internal cross-functional teams (Quality Operations Sales Marketing Supply Chain Regulatory).Partner conducts themselves in a manner that isaligned with Illes Foods Core Values:Operatewith Integrity Stay Intentionally Curious andBelieve in the Power of thePartnership.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads product development projects (innovation renovation alternate materials) from concept to commercialization

• Experienced in working closely with external customers to achieve product development goals

• Provides leadership to the organization in the areas of food science and R&D

• Designs new products based on targeted flavor profile texture color shelflifeand nutritional content whilemaintainingadherence to government and industry standards

• Develops specifications for finished products with physical chemical and sensory properties

• Develops batching instructions for trial and operations

• Generates andoptimizescosts of formulations in collaboration with procurement and finance

• Leads pilot and commercial scale up trials andmonitorsa minimum of first three commercial productions

• Regularly collaborates with Operations andadvisessolutions for production issues

• Maintainsinformationregardingingredient specifications formulas processes and analytical data such as quality attributes yield information and sensory results

• Supportlogisticson the verification of ingredients in inventory for maturity or stability for processing and finished products for safety quality and nutritional value

• Collaborative and works well in a team environment offering support andassistancewhen needed

• Highly motivated and able to work independently

• Effective in a high paced environment with the ability to multitask and support multiple initiatives

• Follows GMPsmaintainssanitary conditions adheres to safe workpracticesand ensures that product quality is maintained

Required Key Skills andQualifications:

• Demonstrated ability toassistwith or lead product development projects from concept to commercialization

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Comfortable collaborating cross-functionally and contributing to project teams

• Excellent organizational and communication (oral and written) skills;proficiencyin reading writing and speaking Englishrequired

• Solid mathematical skills and ability to apply or learn basic statistical analysis

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to learn andoperatespecialized software programs

• Able to manage multiple priorities work independently with limited supervision and thrive in a team environment

• Willingness to work in both laboratory and pilot plant settings

Preferred:

• Bachelors degree plus internship or co-op experience in food product development

• Up to 3 years of experience in product development formulation or food manufacturing

• Ability toidentifyprocess or formulation improvement opportunities and help drive implementation

• Working knowledge of food regulations and certification requirements (e.g. Kosher Halal Organic)

• Familiarity with sensory evaluation shelf-life testing or scale-up processes

Experience&Education:
Bachelors degree in food science or related disciplinesrequired. Minimum of 3 years of food innovation formulation plant experience/ dry & liquid seasoningrequired.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
Taste smell and see well enough todiscriminatequantity and qualityof individual flavor components. Physically able to lift 20 pounds. See well enough to read formulas batch sheets workrequestsand work on the computer efficiently and effectively. Ability to hear directions. Ability to drive a vehicle legally and safely in the performance of the job.

What We Offer:
We are a core-value driven inclusive team that values innovation growth and impact. We offer career development mentorship competitive pay and comprehensive benefitsincluding medical dental vision 401(k) with immediate match HSA EAP life disability and more!

Disclaimer:
The job description provides a general overview of the work not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and performadditionalduties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is at-will meaning it can beterminatedat any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.(M/F/D/V)