Sr. Food Scientist

What you'll do

Reporting to KIND’s Director of New Product Development, the Sr. Food Scientist role is responsible for executing Product Development initiatives to further enhance KIND’s portfolio of healthy snacks. And here’s how you’ll do it…

• Responsible for prototyping, formulation, pilot production and scale-up to plant implementation of innovation & renovation projects.
• Support and build KIND’s innovation pipeline by leveraging internal and external resources.
• Technical lead responsible for product development and product optimization, working in collaboration with project managers & the cross functional team (following stage gate methodology).
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality for commissioning of innovation and renovation projects.
• Leverage R&D resources at manufacturing facilities to increase technical capabilities for product/process improvement initiatives.
• Develop ingredient and formulation trial plans.
• Conduct trials, data collection and interpret results to drive program/project and technical knowledge forward, develop robust action plans, risk assessment and contingency planning.
• Possess strong product development skills in ingredient functionality, material selection and formulation to understand effects on finished product performance.
• Ensure compliance to internal and external policies, quality standards and legal requirements.
• Provides support in building technical expertise and maintain community of best practice to technical colleagues.
• Possess technical leadership to execute time sensitive programs, including alternate line qualifications and supplier/ingredient qualifications.

What you'll bring to KIND

• Sense of urgency and can-do attitude
• A partnership and relationship-based approach in working with internal and external business
• A willingness to challenge our “way of work” to maximize our resources and enhance our success
• Strong analytical skills
• Always presenting a we not me attitude.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with problem solving tools including root cause analysis, flowcharts, and fishbone diagrams

You are...

• A relationship builder, excited by the opportunity to partner with team members cross-functionally
• An innovative and strategic thinker who can approach business initiatives with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent at planning and prioritization skills with the ability to multi-task and adapt.
• Able to influence, facilitate groups with diverse perspectives and bring teams to consensus / alignment
• Able to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive outlook
• Able to demonstrate prudent judgment when making important decisions by utilizing knowledge of industry best practices and current trends
• Able to maintain direction and focus by leveraging organizational abilities and proactive planning
• A collaborator and can reach mutually agreeable outcomes and resolve potential conflicts
• Genuine in your desire to help make the world a kinder place, committing to always spreading and celebrating kindness

You have...

• A BS or MS degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering or a related degree.
• At least 5 years of relevant concept to launch experience in a Corporate R&D setting.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in formulation, start-up & continuous improvement or optimization projects.
• Ability to build strong trusted working relationships and rapport at all levels & demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Are familiar with the activities in Marketing, Market Research, Legal/Regulatory, QA and Manufacturing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Be able to travel up to 35%.

Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $76,500 - $136,500. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.