Hybrid Opportunity in our Salt Lake City plant!
Who We Are:
We are Hearthside Food Solutions, a new kind of food company, and the industry’s largest contract manufacturer. You won’t find our logo on store shelves, but our passion for quality and efficiency is evident in every product we make.
We are one of the fastest growing food companies in the US; Part of the new wave of American manufacturers and we are looking for people with the right stuff!
Job Summary:
To support and drive Product Development (PD) and the Product Development (PD) process as defined by the business strategy. The Product Developer creates the products and processes through which HFS provides manufacturing services to the meals, handheld foods, snack, baked goods and nutrition bar market. This scientist provides technical expertise, leadership and execution in the development and commercialization of new products to generate revenue for the business. This function requires: creativity, innovative thinking, interpersonal effectiveness, effective project management skills, a depth of technical food processing knowledge and the ability to collaborate with other professionals to achieve common goals.
Job Duties:
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Evaluate changes to ingredients and packaging as needed.
• Identify and evaluate food trends that support the business vision and customer strategy within a rolling 2-year horizon
• Create new and innovative products that support the site platforms.
• Reverse engineer products
• Lead commercialization projects for said products, including leading full-scale plant trials, and conducting pre-trial meetings. The work product of this activity is a turn-over packet to Operations with the full process instructions, rates, and product specifications.
• Positively and proactively interact with customers, prospects, and colleagues to keep projects on track. Relationship building will be a key to success in this area. Some travel will be required from time to time.
• Manage multiple projects and activities within R&D Department to accomplish department objectives in an effective fashion.
Required Competencies & Knowledge:
Knowledge of:
• Knowledge of general food technology, bakery application, ingredient functionality and formulation
• Working knowledge of R&D processes
• Detailed experience in products related to Hearthside business
• Autonomous and multiple R&D project management
• Product, processes and ingredient
Skill in:
• Assessing customer needs to resolve promptly and efficiently
• Adjusting to the changing schedules driven by the customer
• The ability to effectively conduct formal meetings with professional clientele to define project objectives, formulate action plans, and report on progress
• Building customer confidence with proper follow through
• Writing effective e-mails to customers
• Diffusing dissatisfied customer with calm, confident answers or solutions
• Industry experience of leading a large development function
• Strategic planning
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Create and present professional presentations
Ability to:
• Supervise and lead all customer related requirements related to R&D
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to all customers
• Have knowledge of all customers and their expectations
Proficiency in:
• MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience in formula database, Genesis, raw material costing and inventory is a plus
Work Environment:
• Work is primarily done in a lab setting but can involve the pilot and/or any number of main Hearthside production facilities (travel required)
Physical Requirements:
• Sitting at a work station for extended periods of time
• Standing while creating product samples both in R&D and on the plant floor
• Stand, walk, climb stairs on an infrequent basis
• Working possible off-hours when required
• Clean and order R&D lab at the end of each working day
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds
Minimum Qualifications:
• B.S. in Food Sci,, Food Engr., Chem. Engr or commensurate experience
• 2 years or more experience of relevant work in a food product development/production facility preferably in the manufacturing /production environment
• Ideally 5-7 years’ experience in R&D and/or related environment
• Industry experience of leading a large development function
• Proven track record of presenting
• Networked in PD – suppliers, operations, customer, market
• Likes food and can provide culinary input