Job Description:
The function of the Marketing team encompasses four main areas:
1) Consumer and market insights and data analysis
2) Internal and external communications [media, public relations, etc.]
3) Product category management
4) Research & Development (R&D) of existing and new products as part of the innovation process.
The R&D Associate works closely with the R&D Manager to prepare new products, nutritionals, and product labeling. This person also coordinates with R&D, QA/QC, production, engineering, warehouse, sanitation, suppliers, and customers to create new items based on consumer research and customer requirements. The R&D Associate works closely with the R&D Manager to prepare the necessary paperwork to perform each line trial and to analyze line trial results. He or she also assists the R&D Manager in testing formulations and preparing bench samples for testing.
Essential Functions:
- Assist R&D Manager in developing new recipes in support of innovation and new product development initiatives.
- Assist R&D Manager in adjusting recipes to optimize profitability of existing portfolio items.
- Assist R&D Manager as needed in preparing bench samples to test new recipes and formulations.
- Schedule all line trial requests; work closely with the R&D team in all bench trials and production runs to assist the R&D Manager in establishing settings for new items on the manufacturing lines.
- Review products gathered from line trials and develop supporting presentations for cross-functional review in effort to establish and finalize product attributes and various specs.
- Ensure that all new product sample requests are documented as directed by the R&D Manager at every stage of the process.
- Create and maintain nutritionals for all new internal and imported items from sister plants and outside suppliers; must work with Genesis software for product nutritionals and ensure that all products are set up in the system correctly before giving information to other departments.
- Work with Purchasing Manager to maintain all ingredient specifications.
- Coordinate product cuttings and sensory analysis panels.
- Perform other tasks as assigned by the R&D Manager.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Participate in annual trade shows (NACS & IDDBA) and assist in the cross-functional preparation and execution of such shows.
- Stay informed of industry changes and developments (competitors, products, tactics, etc.).
- Perform other related duties as requested or assigned.
Core Competencies:
- Project Management - Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Manages project team activities.
- Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes and/or assigns tasks to cross-functional team members as part of project management; Develops realistic action plans.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Technical Skills – Understands commercial baking principles and utilizes knowledge and experience in baking to develop and test recipes.
- People Skills - Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and seeks clarification; Participates in meetings.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Analytical Skills - Collects and analyzes data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
- Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- BA/BS required in Food Science or related field
- Minimum of 2–3 years' experience in baking and/or supporting the baking efforts of R&D is preferred
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Very strong people skills
- Highly organized with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong sense of urgency; self-motivated
- Ability to travel as needed
Certificates and Licenses:
No certifications needed.
Work Environment:
The work environment described here is representative of what an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); extreme cold (non-weather) and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stand, walk, and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
