ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS

Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the foodservice industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Principal Food Scientist will adhere to best-in-class methods and practices associated with new product development, formula renovation, cost savings initiatives, and scale up to drive process effectiveness and product quality. Additionally, the role will help identify development opportunities and work collectively with the R&D SR. Managers to develop the team’s technical acumen (including mentoring and coaching). The role will also assist in formulating and administering division’s short and long range goals and objectives for business growth.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

1. Effectively and independently leads new projects from the team’s initiation through commercialization. This work could include creating and maintaining timelines, managing stakeholders, formulating, scale-up, finished product testing, and specification validation.
2. Provides technical support to manufacturing sites for product batching and processing, including but not limited to batch auditing, bench testing, commercial scale testing, and data analysis. Provides on-site and off-site support of scale-ups and tests resulting from assigned projects.
3. Provides technical leadership and support to cross functional teams, representing PD for CapEx projects and Continuous Improvement initiatives. Partners with other departments to provide guidance on new processes and technology.
4. Works with raw material suppliers to provide the team with new ingredient solutions and technologies.
5. Maintains laboratory, including upkeep of equipment, stocking of supplies and general cleaning of work areas.
6. Identifies development opportunities and works collectively with the PD Managers to develop the team’s technical acumen (including mentoring and coaching). Provides timely technical advice and oversight to junior PD members.
7. Leads the development of processes and tools with the help of PD Managers based on a Continuous Improvement mindset. Among many things, this aspect could include the development of Standard Operating Practices (SOPs), utilizing Lean and Six Sigma principles, and training others.
8. Supports the development and execution of technical strategy. Advises PD Managers on technical barriers and opportunities. Provides ideas on potential solutions.
9. Serves as the Project Owner and/or Project Resource Manager in support of junior project owners.
10. Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree or Ph. D. in food science, engineering, or related field of science from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• 7 -10+ years of food research and development experience, with an understanding of food chemistry, food safety, and related regulations. Functional culinary knowledge.
• Ability to ideate alongside and interpret culinary driven concepts. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and experience in interacting with customers.
• Experience in project management and be able to collaborate with project teams and support groups.
• Extensive knowledge base in one or more of the following areas preferred: hydrocolloids, emulsions, salad dressings, dipping sauces, tomato paste based products, syrups, liquid product processing methods, and/or related technologies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):

• Food testing concepts and techniques (E)
• Food microbiology (J)
• Sensory analysis (E)
• Benchtop procedures (E)
• Lab equipment operation and maintenance (E)
• Raw materials/product interaction (E)
• Food safety concepts and techniques (E)
• Food regulations (E)
• Culinary acumen (E)
• Food processing equipment and techniques (E)
• Quality assurance concepts and techniques (E)
• Technical problem solving (E)
• Experimental design (E)

Skill and Abilities

• Strong Scientific and statistical skills
• Expert problem-solving skills.
• Experience in designing, planning, and executing successful design of experiments (DOE)
• Effectively utilizes the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to learn other key PC software, including systems housing technical specifications, ERP reporting, communication/file sharing programs (such as Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, etc…). and shared project management tools.
• Translate culinary direction into feasible formula and process: Should have a broad understanding/familiarity with the culinary function coupled with the ability to transform information from that function into an operationally feasible formula and technical process.
• Experience in method development to measure critical quality properties to achieve sustainable results.
• Act in accordance with GSF’s Values and Creed

LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• Ability to lead through others, direct or indirect
• Develops and mentors others in the department

WHAT YOU’LL GET

• People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
• Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
• People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
• Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
• Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.