Senior Food Scientist

About Sun Opta

Sun Opta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and food service providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, Sun Opta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, food service, and e-commerce channels across North America.

This position supports Sun Opta’s commercial growth by developing new products and optimizing existing offerings to meet evolving customer requirements. The incumbent will work cross-functionally with Business Management, FSQ, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to drive innovation, cost efficiency, and key business initiatives. Responsibilities include ensuring timely delivery of product development and improvement projects, while providing expert R&D guidance to cross-functional teams.

• Communicate, collaborate and provide technical support to Business Management, Sales, FSQ, and Manufacturing.
• Develop products from concept to production to meet customer specifications and needs.
• Responsibilities include product formulation, ingredient sourcing & validation (in cooperation with Procurement), bench top work, and scale up trials across the Sun Opta portfolio (plant-based and value-added beverages, barista products, plant- and animal-based broths, BFY fruit snacks).
• Ability to manage and complete multiple product development efforts within specified timelines.
• Develop products within cost parameters as required.
• Execute sensory and shelf-life evaluation as needed on new ingredients and finished products.
• Establish finished product specifications (formula, ingredients, nutrition, allergen labeling) on new products and update as needed.
• Provide product information and technical support to customers.

None

• Bachelor’s degree in food science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• 5 years of industry experience in product development with relevant experience in non-dairy, dairy, functional beverages, aseptic beverages, or fruit snacks highly desirable.
• Knowledge of regulatory, organic, non-GMO and kosher requirements.
• Computer proficiency in Windows based programs including MS Word, Outlook and MS Excel.

• Master’s degree in food science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• Manufacturing/production startup experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Genesis Nutritional programs a plus.

• Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of Food preparation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and drive excellence.

• Travel Expectation:
  Up to 25%.
• This position will be at the Sun Opta Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Approximately 75% of the work is performed in an office environment. 25% of work may involve being in the agricultural or manufacturing environment.

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED