Independently leads the design, planning, validation, and implementation of new products, line extensions, product improvements and technical service for Winland Foods that meet project objective(s).

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Research and Development

Job Posting Title:

Senior Food Scientist

Job Description:

Schedule: 8 am to 5 pm CDT / Hybrid (on-site Tues to Thurs)​

Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523 ​

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.​

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $73k - $124k Annually with bonus potential ​

Position Responsibilities:

Independently lead product development, documentation management, project management and commercialization initiatives

Independently formulate and execute development from bench to production scale for new products, product improvements and cost savings projects

Create new prototypes for product development initiatives and identify, evaluate and approve potential ingredients and manufacturing suppliers

Identify opportunities for competitive market advantage

Apply sound scientific methods in all stages of development including planning and executing trials, analyzing data and defining solutions to achieve project goals

Provide judgment and experience to assure that an appropriate level of technical knowledge and discipline are being employed and utilized in business decisions

Partner and communicate effectively with cross-functional groups to provide technical expertise:  Marketing, Sales, QA, Procurement, Finance, Operations, and Engineering; create and influence project direction by providing technical input through the planning and decision-making process

Understand product requirements, plant equipment and processes to enable the creation of detailed playbooks and specifications

Ensure the transfer of technology to the operations team when commercializing products; provide oversight of internal and external manufacturing start-ups and ongoing technical support

Contribute significantly, directly and continually to attain results through the generation and application of advanced, specialized knowledge

Look for ways to enhance the current commercialization process through previous experience and technical savvy

Identify and develop research programs to drive cost optimization, implement product improvements and identify emerging technology

Identify problems and drive cross-functional exploration to determine root cause, with a focus on developing corrective action

Mentor less senior associates, often with the opportunity for direct reporting structure

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications, Requirements & Preferred Attributes:

Five years’ experience in Food Product Development

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Engineering or related field required. Master's Degree in Food Science/Engineering preferred

Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality

Ability to communicate effectively and openly while working with a cross-functional team

Must be a self-starter, independent, energetic and resourceful

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Aptitude for technical leadership and project management

Ability to travel up to 30%

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.