Product Development Scientist II

Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich's is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich's®-Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

Purpose Statement

Rich Products, a $5.5Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Product Development Scientist II to join our growing R&D Team. In this role, you will be responsible for new product development, product maintenance and product improvement for our toppings, creams and culinary solutions (TCCS) category.

In this role, you will collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure successful development and commercialization of new products, product improvement or cost reductions. You will conduct routine, non-routine and complex research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical complexity of product formulations in order to develop new products and evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes.

You will successfully partner with others cross-functionally.

This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of up to 25%.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

New Product Development/Product Improvements/Cost reductions
• Prepares prototype and line extension products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment, as required. Typical project assignments involve small product line extensions and iterative new products (e.g. modifying a customized product formula to create a new product).
• Plans, organizes and completes projects of modest scope or are a segment of a larger project. Selects and/or develops appropriate methods for conducting projects and assists in designing experiments.
• Interfaces frequently with various internal departments (i.e. Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering) and customers in accomplishing project milestones.
• Selects and evaluates raw materials for experiments.
• Sets-up, operates and maintains research lab equipment.
• Works with outside labs, universities, ingredient suppliers and lab equipment vendors as needed by project activity.
• Designs and conducts complex shelf life and storage studies, including product and package performance under various conditions and makes recommendations for appropriate adjustments in product and/or package as required.
• Designs and conducts storage studies, including product and package performance under various conditions.
• Performs complex measurements and statistical analysis.

Technical Support
• Presents results of complex experiments and recommendations to various groups, both internally and externally.
• Orders materials for producing and evaluating complex prototypes.
• Develops solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity by applying extensive technical knowledge and experience.

Record-keeping
• Maintains accurate, up to date records, laboratory notebooks and computer database.
• Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol.
• Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.
• Maintains a sanitary, safe and orderly work environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field with 2+ years product development related experience in food preparation/food industry; M.S.in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
• Experience developing some of the following - ambient icings, fillings, glazes, emulsions, dairy, UHT products highly preferred.
• Experience in applying advanced mathematics (i.e. statistics) and their practical application required.
• Broad understanding of food science (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired through both lecture and laboratory work.
• Demonstrated ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills; with all levels within an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Solid PC proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including Word and PowerPoint; intermediate to advanced proficiency level in Excel and database, statistical software (spreadsheets, computer analysis; report writing). Proficient with relevant software tools (e.g. PLM, etc.) a plus.
• Ability to use presentation and project management software beneficial.

Work Environment & Safety Notice
• Research and Development laboratories are not food-allergen-free environments. Individuals with severe food allergies should consider this before applying.
• Employees may occasionally be exposed to Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) detergents through smell or incidental contact during routine operations.
• Exposure to food ingredients, chemicals, and cleaning agents is expected; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided to minimize risks.
• Work may occur in varying temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely.
• Stand for 6 or more hours during the workday, with limited opportunities for sitting.
• Regular bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching to access equipment, materials, and storage areas.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights, including occasional climbing of ladders or steps.
• Push, pull, and maneuver carts, bins, and equipment, including heavy items with the assistance of mechanical aids when necessary.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision instruments.
• Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively as required for operating various laboratory or production equipment.
• Sensory ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, and products through taste, smell, touch, and visual inspection.
• Ability to follow all safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices.

#LI-NT1

COMPENSATION

In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.

Annual Range/Hourly Rate

$75,510.48 - $102,161.24

Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich's. Please contact Rich's Associate Experience Network at [email protected] if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK.

As a family-owned company, caring for our associates-their whole selves-is a top priority. That's why we provide benefits and tools to help our people balance the integration of work and life:

• Competitive compensation
• Health & financial benefits
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Family planning support
• Flexible work policy
• Associate resource groups
• Volunteering & community impact opportunities
• Holiday gatherings
• In-house taste tests (we are a food company after all)!

It's all part of how we support our family of associates. Because in the company of family, all things are possible.

MEET RICH'S.

Rich's, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $3.8 billion, Rich's is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich's®-Infinite Possibilities. One Family.