Job Description:

DescriptionOur client has a full time opening for someone with the below qualifications. General Purpose:Responsible for the development of co-dried and dry blended dairydairy flavors for for food and dairy industries from conceptopportunity through commercialization (at the customer). This person will be relied upon as an expert related to co-drying and dry blending including dairy science research, innovation, development, applications; relating to new productsolution development; but also, for formulation cost-out opportunities, process improvements, new technology scouting. Key driver of organic growth through monetization of the opportunity and innovation pipeline. Job Duties and Responsibilities:Specific to Strategy:Research dairy science, food science and equipment for the purpose of innovating new technologies and the development of intellectual property (IP).Develop new wet and dry dairy systems, dairy flavors, dairy emulsions and solutions using DFA's plethora of ingredient options and manufacturing capabilitiesUtilizing DFA's expansive drying (and dry blending) network and capabilities to enhance the value of DFA's dried dairy products using a "what can we do with what we have?" mentality.Work with engineering and process technology to continuously expand drying, dry blending, and agglomeration capabilities through discovery of new tech, equipmentprocess modification, and formulationReformulate products as appropriate to reduce cost including building least costflexible formulation models encompassing of the fluctuation commodity markets and raw material availabilityPerform applications testing simulating the customer's end-use to ensure the products developed exceed the customer's expectations for taste, functionality, and nutritionUtilize sensory science tools, available in the Innovation Center, to give data points to the customer demonstrating expectations are metexceededPerform pilot plant testing to ensure a successful scale-up for manufacturing and ultimately the end customerDrive the commercialization of new products by partnering with the process technology team in the plantsSupport the customer in scale up and commercialization to ensure people and products are part of the scale up and launchEffectively operate all pilot plant equipment required to properly scale-up and test in applicationDevelop effective concepts for benchtop sessions, in partnership with sales and marketing, to generate wins with customersSupport sales in determining customer needs, problems, insights, and strategy that would ultimately require a company solutionProactively initiate action plans to develop the solutions and capabilitiesInspire and excite customers through demonstration of unique new products and applications that are relevant to their consumersPartner with sales to understand customer's future needs, their brands, and strategies to anticipate new areas of capability development and innovative ideas for end use categories Provide technical and applications expertise to support the customerDrive opportunities to commercialization internally and close with the customer Co-create and effectively utilize the product lifecycle management (PLM) process and adhere to the Scientific Development Standards Process, including version control, development notes and documented learnings Effectively utilize CRM () as a tool to manage status of the opportunities, project milestones in the pipeline and track KPIs related to the opportunity pipeline continually improving our R&D service to customers, ultimately leading to faster speed-to-market driving increased customer connectivity. Collaborate with and influence technical sales, customer support and other stakeholders to "solve for yes" Contribute to technical content and review presentations for sales and marketingProvide effective, timely and relevant reporting to leadershipApply strong knowledge of the capabilities - including understanding the functional and technical aspects of the products and how capabilities differentiate us from others in the industryDemonstrate a "never stop learning" mindset and influence others to adopt this mindsetThe requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as requiredLocationSpringfield, MissouriRequirementsMinimum Requirements:Education and ExperienceB.S. Degree in food, dairy or biological science related discipline Masters or PHD desirable8+ years of industry experience in R&D Proven career advancement in dairy flavors, natural, process and cheese sauces and productsDemonstrated staff leadership attributes or staff management experienceProven successful track record in new product development with multiple examples of commercialized productssolutions directly or under your leadershipDesired areas of expertise:Co-drying and dry blending combinations of dairy, dairy flavors, seasonings, flavors, colors, and other ingredients Seasoning and flavor developmentAgglomeration and instantization of powdersDairy science Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesFood safety programs and food safety by designFood regulatory & labeling laws including both: USDA & FDAStrong leadership and team building abilitiesExceptional communication skillsAbility to solve complex customer demands and problemsSelf-driven and committed to hands on work habitsAbility to initiate, drive and adapt to changeAbility to balance heavy workload and manage multiple tasks Must have the ability and capability to interact and communicate with the most senior levels of the organizationAble to read, write, and speak English Travel: ☒15%-25% (1-2 times per quarter) An Equal Opportunity Employer