Research & Development Innovation Specialist in City of Industry, California at GFF Inc - Plochman Inc

GENERAL SUMMARY:

This is a salaried position at City of Industry, CA that reports to the R&D Manager. Designs & creates innovative products for breakthrough concept developments or alters & improves existing products; use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, & other sciences to study the principle underlying the processing & deterioration of products. Develops specifications & ensures products are produced in compliance with established quality parameters. Supports transition of new products from bench top to production scale. Ensures that new products developed meet all regulatory & customer requirements; follows HACCP steps to ensure product safety & stability.

• The Research & Development Innovation Specialist keeps abreast of emerging food trends, consumer preferences, and innovations in ingredients or technology to inspire new product ideas.
• Combines knowledge of food science, technology and consumer trends to create new product profiles that are industry breakthroughs.
• Research & creates innovative products for new concepts of dressing & sauces that are in trend with consumer preferences; foods that are tastier, healthier, safer or more convenient.
• Coordinate with customers for needed changes during the development process; provide revisions with sense of urgency to ensure compliance with customer timeline.
• Ensure that product formulations comply with regulatory & industry standards, studies the microbiological, physical, & chemical properties of finished products & ingredients.
• Conduct HACCP analysis on new raw materials used for product development as well as new finished products developed.
• Develop detailed mixing instructions to ensure that products are manufactured optimally & consistently meet the specifications. Improve manufacturing processes to be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly without compromising product quality.
• Conduct lab tests and trials to ensure that food products are safe, stable, and high in quality. This includes sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis.
• Create nutrition label & ingredient statements in compliance with NLEA (Nutrition Labeling Enforcement Act); ensure compliance with nutrition label claims.
• Develop product & packaging specifications, including label formats per customer specifications, USDA labeling & standard of identity compliance.
• Ensure that the checklist for new product development is completed before product launch, emphasis on batch check & packaging specifications.
• Work with the Mix Deck mixers & helpers during the first 3 productions of new products to ensure that the correct materials are used, validate recipe & mixing instructions.
• Update mix deck recipe to include new products approved or changes as per SCR to be consistent with ROSS.
• Complete Private Label Specification as per customer required formats, including completion of customer portal requirements for new products approved or specs up-date.
• Evaluate raw material substitutes for specs deviation typically due to shortage or supplier issues; validated through actual product application & group sensory.
• Develop re-work order for complicated products put “On Hold- MRB;” non-compliance that needs actual product application confirmatory test.
• Evaluate results of competitive product analysis to benchmark GFF products against competition.
• Travel is needed to support new product launches, customer presentations, attend conferences or for purchases of R&D-related supplies (approx. 20% of the time)
• Create & submit RFC( for costing), NPSU (for approved products).
• Shelf-life studies and/or product challenge studies.
• SOP/SSOP review & development.
• HACCP risk assessment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must have a Degree in Technical Course (Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc.) or equivalent work experience.
• 2-3 years’ experience in Research and Product Development position.
• Skilled in statistical charts & data analysis.
• Good communication, leadership, & interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well with team members & other departments.
• Strong Math skills, Advanced Excel, spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentations capabilities.

DESIRED:

• Knowledge of manufacturing environment & practices.
• Dressing & Sauces manufacturing experience
• Food Processing Technology background
• Knowledge of CFR/FDA Regulatory Compliance