Senior Product Development Scientist II

Location:

Buffalo, NY, US, 14213

Segment:
Research & Development

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family‑owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in food service, retail, in‑store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others.

Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

Rich Products, a $5.5 Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Senior Product Development Scientist supporting the Bread and Pizza Dough platforms.

The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership and be a key driver for initiatives in product/process development. This will include leading lab development and plant validation work on technically challenging platforms while driving internal discussions and customer‑interfacing meetings. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders while delivering innovative solutions on products within our dough category (bread doughs, sweet doughs and/or pizza doughs).

Our ideal candidate will be self‑motivated, thrive in a fast paced working environment, and enjoy close interactions with cross‑functional team members.

In this role, you will plan, organize and conduct theoretical or applied scientific research, which contributes the technical knowledge and expertise necessary to commercialize and expand existing RPC business platforms. You will analyze research data and prepare detailed presentations for R&D management and other key stakeholders.

This role will be based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of around 25%.

• Acts as a project leader; planning, managing and conducting research projects in product or process development or in specific area of expertise (microbiology, food chemistry, engineering).
• Establishes project methodology and timelines, identifies and organizes project team, coordinates other needed resources and monitors project progress.
• Provides guidance and day‑to‑day supervision to members on scientific project teams. Mentors associates within the R&D department by sharing technical knowledge and expertise and providing necessary training.
• Proposes new or innovative methods for using technology to resolve problems.
• Prepares and edits reports and regular updates, providing concise summaries of project work. Presents project results and recommendations to various audiences including R&D associates, other RPC staff and interested external groups.
• Seeks centers of expertise or technology, inside and outside of Rich Products Corporation, which may provide beneficial knowledge related to research activities. Communicates and shares expertise with others.
• Represents the company with outside vendors, suppliers, universities, associations and governmental agencies. Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information.
• Performs related responsibilities, as needed, to support Rich Products Corporation's business objectives.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field (e.g. Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Engineering, etc.) AND 6+ years industrial experience or applied research experience, in the food industry.
• Master’s degree in Food Science or related field (e.g. Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Engineering, etc.) AND 4+ years industrial experience or applied research experience, in the food industry.
• Prior experience developing dough products (bread doughs/pizza/sweet doughs), and dough rheology.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Proven record of independently achieved accomplishments as demonstrated by: products/process / technological…