Sr Food Scientist at The Planet Group

With a global footprint of more than 2,000 associates that spans North America and Europe, we are proud of our industry-leading capabilities in areas that include innovation, R&D, manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and nutrition expertise.
The company is focused on the vision to quench the world's thirst for more delight and nourishment, while continuing to build upon the many important diversity, sustainability, local community and philanthropic activities that our people and brands have historically supported.  
 
Key Responsibilities:
This organizations R&D is looking for a highly qualified Associate Principal Scientist to lead consumer-driven innovation and productivity projects for the their organization.  The ideal candidate will be a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
We foster a safe space for entrepreneurial ideation, while also practicing radical candor and showing respect for what each R&D function brings to our organization.  As a part of the nimble R&D team, you will be given opportunities to stretch, lead, and learn that many other larger organizations do not offer.
As part of an entrepreneurial culture, the ideal candidate will possess an ownership mindset and a focus on the consumer.  Comfort with ambiguity, a focus on agility, and appropriate risk-taking is a must.  Strong R&D and cross-functional collaboration and communication skills required.  Successful candidates thrive in an environment of fast-paced, consumer-driven product development.  If you are looking to act like an entrepreneur in a multibillion-dollar company with well-established and loved brands, This is the place for you 
Additional Responsibilities:

• Utilize scientific methods to develop knowledge that creates business opportunities that support the company strategic objectives
• Develop product formulations that leverage expertise in food or beverage chemistry and ingredient functionality
• Design and execute experiments, and analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process issues
• Provide technical risk assessment and perspectives related to new product development
• Leverage external and internal experts for key analytical, sensory and consumer research
• Perform economic evaluations on ingredients, ingredients suppliers, and product formulations to drive profitability
• Participate as an active member of cross-functional business development teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering and other groups
• Develop and maintain complete product attribute specifications for ingredients and finished products

• Utilize innovative and critical thinking skills to design solutions to for organizational challenges.
• Tackle ambiguous problems to determine and prioritize business strategies.

• Utilize outstanding teamwork, collaboration, communication and leadership skills to deliver cross-functional projects on time and on budget

 
QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. in Food Science & Technology or related scientific field; advanced degree preferred
• 6+ years of experience in product development, beverage experience a plus

• Must be located in Chicago, IL or willing to relocate to Chicago, IL for the duration of employment
• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations as required. The R&D team is typically onsite every Tuesday-Thursday. 
• Legally authorized to work in the country to which you are applying without requiring sponsorship or additional work permits now or in the future

• Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects
• Strong working knowledge of product development protocols, including formulation, stability testing, product/package interaction, sensory and consumer testing methodology
• Ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments
• Strong project management skills required for developing project timelines with multiple cross-functional touchpoints, including management of project budgets
• Demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into strategic and tactical project goals and objectives
• Ability to work with lab and analytical equipment (pH meter, Brix meter, centrifuge, analytical balance, etc.)
• Proven track record in maintaining good working relationship with cross functional business partners (Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and manage risk in a fast-paced environment with ambiguity and change.
• Highly organized with great attention to detail and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unexpected requests.
• Must be open to 15-25% domestic travel