Principal Dairy Scientist

Description

Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service 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.

The Principal Food Scientist, Dairy is a strategic leader who transforms customer insights into innovative, high-quality food solutions. This role drives excellence in product development, formula optimization, cost-efficiency initiatives, and scale-up processes to ensure superior product performance and operational effectiveness.

• Lead Innovation: Anticipate market and customer needs to develop breakthrough products that align with business objectives.
• Drive Technical Excellence: Apply best-in-class methodologies for new product development, formula renovation, and process improvement.
• Mentor & Develop Talent: Collaborate with Senior R&D Managers to strengthen team capabilities through coaching, technical training, and knowledge sharing.
• Strategic Contribution: Support the formulation and execution of short- and long-term goals that accelerate growth and enhance competitive advantage.
• Operational Impact: Champion cost-saving initiatives and scalability strategies to optimize resources without compromising quality.

• Proven expertise in food science and product development with a track record of delivering innovative solutions.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to build high-performing teams.
• Ability to balance creativity with technical rigor and business priorities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.

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

• 7
  -10+ years of food research and development experience, with an understanding of food chemistry, food safety, and related regulations. Functional culinary knowledge.
• 4+ years in dairy required
• 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.

• 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)

• 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, One Note, 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

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

• People First:At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a…