GENERAL SCOPE: Food Technologist will manage product development process of soups/sauces from concept to commercialization phase for an innovative food services company.  Provide exceptional support and communication to CTI’s clients while also participating as a key member of CTI’s cross-functional product development team.  Exhibit a customer centric attitude throughout all aspects of work.  Listen and anticipate customer needs to develop prototypes in a timely, professional and comprehensive manner.  Many decisions and ideas are implemented with minimal bureaucracy and a high degree of autonomy is provided and expected within the organization.  Outstanding technical expertise, communication and time management skills are required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Strong project management focus which includes the development of formulations as well as the delivery of exceptional customer service.

·         Develop and present benchtop prototypes reflecting customer needs in a timely and comprehensive manner.

·         Demonstrate strong culinary aptitude in matching recipes as well as a desire to improve existing products.

·         Communicate regularly with customers.  Ask questions, anticipate needs, and ensure that issues are resolved quickly and proactively.

·         Ability to create samples, draw up specifications and collect ingredients while also adhering to price/cost structure

·         Work closely with Quality Assurance and Production to ensure product integrity is maintained throughout the production process.

·         Build strong relationships and communicate regularly with core areas of the cross functional product development team, including purchasing, QA and sales.

·         Partner with Sales to contribute to growth of new/existing accounts.  Provide support for testing new products as well as anticipating customer needs.

·         Keep current on technology and inform management of changes within the industry to identify new opportunities.

·         Contribute to technical growth of the department and facilitate an environment of sharing information and learning.

·         Develop relationships with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients for CTI products. 

·         Provide appropriate information on new items, including formulations, nutritionals, etc.

EXPERIENCE:

·         Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science preferred.  Fundamental understanding of food science and processing principles

·         2-5 years of work experience, preferably in soup/sauce product development

·         Experienced in formulating products as well as in sourcing ingredients and working with customers

·         Experienced in commercializing products

·         Strong presentation skills and ability to interact with customers as well as cross-functional products development team.

·         Proven track record of successfully managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment

·         Strong organizational and project management skills

·         Ability to take direction and follow through multi-step projects consistently

·         Ability to maintain confidential information

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

·         Inquisitive and passionate about the product development process

·         Strong work ethic

·         Self-motivated with a drive for technical excellence under minimal supervision

·         Shows a sense of urgency in customer service approach

·         Up-beat/can-do attitude

·         Not satisfied with the status quo.  Wants to contribute to the growth of the business.

·         Comfortable in a sometimes unpredictable environment

·         Team player—cares about those around him/her

·         Unquestionable integrity

·         Hands-on.  Thrives in an environment where you are required to wear many hats

·         Disciplined problem solver; effective at leading team solutions.

·         Ability to build effective work relationships.

·         Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

·         Good listener

·         Direct communicator

·         Actively works to ensure messages are understood by customers and team members.

·         Resolves conflict through open communication