Food Technologist Strategic and Commodity CI

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

The Food Technologist position supports new continuous improvement projects and technology platforms across the company’s Candy, Gum, Mint, and Salty Snacks portfolio.  A key responsibility will be to objectively evaluate opportunities to determine the feasibility of ideas with consideration given to technical feasibility, product quality, manufacturing capability, labeling, consumer acceptance, and financial viability.

Main Responsibilities:

• Under moderate direction, assume responsibility for undertaking and executing process and product optimization projects of medium complexity and scope.
• Identify, develop, and validate process and product optimization projects through preparation of experimental formulations and process designs, bench and pilot scale development, stakeholder alignment, manufacturing trials, and financial viability.
• Undertake projects as assigned and make suggestions for initiation of projects or their abandonment as experience allows.
• Lead projects up to and including project handoff documentation preparation and transfer to a project leader.  Occasionally, leadership through implementation will be necessary, including process and product support, training, and sustainability initiatives.
• Support supply chain continuity initiatives in collaboration with suppliers, as well as approving new suppliers.
• Close collaboration with R&D, Engineering, Finance, QRC, Manufacturing, and Marketing will be required.
• Routinely benchmark and monitor trends and technology to apply best demonstrated practices which drive cost, quality, performance, and sustainability improvements
• Develop and maintain up-to-date knowledge related to processing technologies, equipment, and product formulas in a minimum of two technical areas related to chocolate, confectionery, candy, or related snack foods.

This role will require 10-20% travel. 

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong understanding of food chemistry principles and ingredient functionality.
• Experience in confection and chocolate formulation, technology, processing, and manufacturing a plus.
• Possess working technical knowledge of product development and optimization, including manufacturing validation and implementation.
• Experience operating lab and pilot scale equipment/instrumentation and working in a manufacturing plant.
• Business case development, including technical and financial feasibility of new project ideas, resulting in a prioritized list of opportunities supporting supply chain continuity initiatives in collaboration with vendors of ingredients.
• Sensory and analytical techniques related to the analysis of food.
• Problem solving and product troubleshooting through application of knowledge and creative thinking that will allow new ideas and platforms to advance through feasibility testing.
• Work closely with procurement and suppliers to identify future opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercising a moderate level of judgment in project execution.
• Demonstrates strong time management and prioritization skills to efficiently achieve business goals and execute projects on schedule.
• Interpersonal skills that allow for effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Working experience with lean/six sigma principles; certification a plus.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• BS in Food Science, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or other technical degree. 2+ years of experience in food preferred.