ASSOCIATE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Provide depth of knowledge in food and/or nonfood technology regarding product technical services product development and assist in product quality maintenance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently, and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Corporate Food Technology and Our Promise strategy, the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in development and reformulation of products as prudent to reduce ingredient and manufacturing costs while maintaining and/or improving product quality
• Work closely with third party vendors and culinary specialists as well as internal brand and innovation teams to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance for manufactured, procured and fresh products; lead quality issues to resolution; work with recall coordinator as needed
• Effectively and simultaneously manage multiple projects for multiple customers
• Assist in pilot plant development work and conduct plant trials of new products and processes
• Assist in coordinating activities and projects with both internal manufacturing plants and external contracted manufacturers, both food and non-food consumer products
• Prepare and maintain material specification documents
• Review product label proofs to ensure compliance with all labeling and claim regulations
• Assist in evaluating and recommending new processes, programs, equipment, and technologies appropriate to Kroger manufacturing, distribution, quality assurance or retailing
• Work with internal and external teams to develop and improve new and existing product processes while containing costs and maintaining or improving product quality
• Follow regulatory and technological changes that may affect the food industry
• Partner with manufacturing operations to troubleshoot product and/or processing problems and find solutions
• Work with plant teams in resolving differences in manufacturing processes between multiple operation locations that will improve the quality and costs of products and increase efficiencies
• Provide technical assistance related to testing techniques and quality assurance procedures for plants
• Audit products for quality and manage audit follow-up projects to improve quality
• Audit plant batching operations and analyze consumer comments
• Work with Sensory Manager to organize and coordinate consumer panels
• Travel as required for execution of essential job duties (15%)
• Direct activities of lab technical staff as needed
• Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

• Bachelor's degree in food science, dairy science/bakery science or related scientific field
• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Experience with multiple food and/or non-food categories
• Experience in product development, project management, or quality assurance
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Proven project leadership skills

• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with frontline employees, peers and executives
• Ability to drive positive changes in processes, systems and culture