Sr Food Innovation Scientist (low acid aseptic) at Baldwin Richardson Foods – Westmont, Illinois

WHO WE ARE

Baldwin Richardson Foods is focused on enriching the flavor of life. As a full-service liquid products supplier and strategic partner to the food and beverage industry, Baldwin Richardson Foods combines its formulation expertise and unique packaging options with robust processing capabilities to produce high-quality sauces, toppings, syrups, fillings, and shelf-stable beverages for the world's most iconic Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands, and food service companies. Its state-of-the-art Innovation & Culinary Center transforms trends and culinary inspiration into legendary products through an award-winning commercialization process. The company also manufactures and markets Mrs. Richardson's dessert sauces and Nance's mustards/condiments in addition to producing finished goods for the private label sector. BRF maintains its headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Macedon, New York; with a Culinary Innovation Center in Westmont, Illinois; and offices and manufacturing facilities in Williamson, New York; Pennsauken, New Jersey; and Corona, California. This role can be based in Westmont, IL or Macedon, NY.

WHAT WE NEED

The Aseptic Senior Food Innovation Scientist leads product development from ideation through commercialization, focusing on plant-based milk products. This ensures products meet customer expectations, nutritional, regulatory, and food safety standards. The position involves cross-functional collaboration, building relationships with customers and suppliers, and driving aseptic innovation to ensure the successful launch of low-acid aseptic beverages.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Product Formulation & Development: Lead the formulation and development of low acid aseptic beverages, specifically plant-based milks, with an emphasis on ingredient functionality and product-process interactions. Contribute to scoping and design of new ideas/technical solutions that contribute to product line strategy
• Aseptic Development: Spearhead the development of aseptic plant-based products, ensuring they meet industry standards and regulatory requirements for aseptic testing, filing, and validation.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams (Quality, Sales, Procurement, Engineering, Operations) and external partners to bring low acid aseptic beverage products to market by following BRF process.
• Commercialization: Drive the successful commercialization of low acid aseptic beverages, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet quality, cost, and production goals (new platforms, high visibility programs) while anticipating challenges and building contingencies
• Customer Interaction: Communicate effectively with customers to understand their needs and ensure products meet customer & consumer expectations.
• Project Management: Manage and prioritize multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and successful outcomes within deadlines.
• Lab & Pilot Plant Work: Independently plan and execute bench and pilot plant trials to validate formulations, test new ingredients, and troubleshoot processes. Should be able to analyze test results and effectively translate into effective next steps for project success
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in plant-based beverage technology and apply new knowledge to drive innovation.
• Independent Work & Critical Thinking: Manage tasks independently while leveraging manager support for strategic direction and alignment with organizational goals. Utilize strong communication and problem-solving skills to ensure successful project outcomes. Provide fundamental training and share information on aseptic technologies with junior team members and cross functional teams

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or other related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as a food technologist/scientist.
• 2+ years of experience developing plant based milk and/or low acid aseptic products
• Proven experience and success working on projects related to concept development through commercialization
• Proven track record of successfully commercializing aseptic products
• Ability to travel 30%+ to our manufacturing facilities (NY, NJ, CA) and customer sites

At BRF, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

You'll also receive a comprehensive benefits package including low premium and out of pocket cost medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k with company match, generous sick and vacation time, 9 paid holidays, birthday and floating holidays, volunteer time and more!

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