CORP CFT/PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

Provide depth of knowledge in food technology regarding product technical services and product quality maintenance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Corporate Food Technology in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR). Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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
• Assist in coordinating activities and projects with both internal manufacturing plants and external contracted manufacturers, both food and non-food consumer products
• Provide leadership to 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
• Demonstrate excellence in project planning and execution through best use of resources to shorten the time to project completion
• Effectively and simultaneously manage multiple projects for multiple customers
• Perform pilot plant development work and conduct plant trials of new products and processes
• Reformulate products as prudent to reduce ingredient and manufacturing costs while maintaining and/or improving product quality
• 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
• Prepare and maintain material specification documents
• Work with Sensory Manager to organize and coordinate consumer panels
• Review product label proofs to ensure compliance with all labeling and claim regulations
• Travel as required for execution of essential job duties
• 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
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• 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 field
• Experience in product development or plant production
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Proven project leadership skills

• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Experience with multiple food and/or non-food categories
• 4 years of experience in product technical service or plant production
• Experience managing diverse, complex or high-risk product categories