Research & Development Project Leader

Company: Fair Oaks Farms
Location: Prairie
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LEADER
It takes more than top notch facilities, modern equipment, and innovative technologies to become our customer's most trusted supplier. It takes people who are committed to our customer's success and who are willing to go the extra mile to get the job done right.
Job Purpose:
The Research and Development Project Leader is responsible for developing or creating new flavor profiles and items or evaluating and improving existing products as directed by management or the customer. The item may be generated from conception through commissioning and to final product commercialization. The R & D Project Leader will assist in ensuring all products developed and manufactured by the organization meet customer specifications and achieve superior quality and reliability levels.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead the New Product Process, this includes ideas from product conception through final commercialization, the R & D Project Leader will schedule and lead all product development meetings and maintain all associated documentation
• Ensure new products and processes are following current and future Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) programs and departmental SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures)
• Develop necessary product tests as directed by management or the customer, this will include Culinary and Flavor development
• Arrange for shipment of samples to the customer as needed
• Respond to customer information requests in a timely manner
• Responsible for developing specifications, labeling, and nutritional panels in compliance with all regulatory standards
• Evaluate existing items and suggest ideas for improvement or cost savings, utilize your Food Science Technical experience as it relates to our products
• Work with the Purchasing department to evaluate new seasoning or raw material vendors, meet with new vendors as needed
• Work with Operations to perform and oversee testing on standard equipment as appropriate
• Work with Operations and offer guidance on initial test runs, commissioning runs and initial production runs
• Attend technical training or courses as appropriate, stay current with new flavor trends or processes as related to food science
• Assist with the identification and procurement of any controls, processes, or equipment that may be needed to achieve or improve quality requirements for new or existing items
• Meet with the customer as needed to develop new concepts or present items
• Other duties as assigned. Qualifications:
  • 5 years' experience in food safety or similar role required, food experience preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in food science, biology, nutrition, or a related field is required
  • Strong math, analytical, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize workload.
  • Self-managed and highly motivated.
  • Possess good problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
  • Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office
  • Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well with people at all levels are essential; bilingual (Spanish-English) a plus.
  • Must be able to evaluate information quickly, identify key issues, and formulate conclusions based on sound, practical judgment, and experience. Must have a strong sense of personal ownership while maintaining a team-oriented environment. Must be able to work effectively in a dynamic and complex environment. Work Environment:
    This job operates in a manufacturing environment and occasionally in an office setting. Extended periods of standing while walking the production floor and occasional period of sitting using a computer or other devices are common.
    Physical Demands:
    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to balance; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear as defined below:
    
    • Ability to communicate orally with employees, management, and peers is crucial. Regular use of phone and email for communication is essential. Hearing and vision correctable to within normal ranges are essential for normal conversations, receiving ordinary information, and preparing or inspecting documents.
    • The ability to remain standing and/or walking position roughly 85% of the time when needed in the plant, as well as the ability to move about the office occasionally (accessing files/storage, office equipment, computers, and other office productivity devices, etc.), is required.
    • Using a computer while sitting for brief periods is occasional. Must also be able to position self to use and maintain equipment, including under tables and desks.
    • Occasional heavy lifting exertion of about 75 lbs. of force may be required. Good manual dexterity required to use common office equipment (e.g., computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
      Selection Process
      • Application Review - Qualifying
      • Phone or virtual Interview - Qualifying
      • Background Investigation - Qualifying
      • Drug Screen - Qualifying
        Benefits: PPO, HSA, Dental, Vision, Vacation, Short- and Long-Term Disability, 401K company match plans, 10 Paid Holidays, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, and more.
        If you require accommodations during the selection process because of a disability, please inform Human Resources about arrangements.
        To learn more about Fair Oaks Foods, please visit: https://fairoaksfoods.com/
        Fair Oaks Foods is located in Pleasant Prairie, WI, less than an hour from Milwaukee and Chicago.
        Please visit https://www.visitkenosha.com to see everything Kenosha County has to offer.
        Thank you for your interest in employment with Fair Oaks Foods!
        Fair Oaks Foods is an equal opportunity employer. Fair Oaks Foods does not discriminate in employment regarding race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

Keywords: Fair Oaks Farms, Montgomery , Research & Development Project Leader, Other , Prairie, Alabama