Senior Food Scientist

The Senior Food Scientist will be the technical lead for new product innovation. This person will be responsible for working with brand manager and the plant on every stage of new product development from concept generation to commercialization. In addition, the candidate will aid the director of R&D with the execution of corporate R&D projects. This position will report to the Director of R&D.

• Leads the development of projects from benchtop development through pilot plant scale up, factory scale-up, and commercialization.
• Responsible for commercialization of new and reformulated products and successful transition from development to production
• Designs and conduct lab tests, pilot plant and large-scale tests within manufacturing facilities to optimize formulation and/or process
• Collaborates with Brand Manager and Senior Consumer Insights Analyst to develop robust innovation pipeline
• Identifies and explores new and enabling technologies
• Monitors domestic and global trends related to flavors and ingredients for candy/confections
• Manages multiple projects at once with minimal supervisor guidance using clear communication, prioritization, and multitasking skills
• Ensures all products meet Tootsie Roll Industries quality standards and shelf-life requirements.
• Works closely with Process Engineers, Marketing, Quality, and Manufacturing in project execution and problem solving.

• Is the R&D technical lead for continuous improvement/optimization projects for existing products
• Manages development of R&D processes and ensures cross functional adherence

• Minimum of 8 years of Consumer Packaged Goods food technology experience
• BS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field. MS degree preferred
• 3 – 5 years hands‑on experience in a confectionery product development and commercialization role is required.
• Self‑motivated problem solver and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to learn new products and processes quickly
• Highly efficient at planning and staying on tight timelines and planning projects accordingly.