Senior Scientist, Product Development and Innovation

Senior Scientist, Product Development and Innovation

Job Category: R&D

Requisition Number: SENIO
004208

• Full‑Time
• Hybrid

Chicago - 525
Tropicana Headquarters
525 W Van Buren St
Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Tropicana Brands Group R&D is looking for a highly qualified Sr. Scientist to lead consumer‑driven innovation and productivity projects for the KeVita and IZZE brands. The ideal candidate will be a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.

• Lead and execute innovation, quality/product improvement, and productivity initiatives
• Utilize scientific methods to develop knowledge that creates business opportunities that support the company strategic objectives
• Develop product formulations that leverage expertise in food or beverage chemistry and ingredient functionality
• Design and execute experiments, and analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process issues
• Provide technical risk assessment and perspectives related to new product development
• Leverage external and internal experts for key analytical, sensory and consumer research
• Perform economic evaluations on ingredients, ingredients suppliers, and product formulations to drive profitability
• Participate as an active member of cross‑functional business development teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering and other groups
• Develop and maintain complete product attribute specifications for ingredients and finished products
• Utilize innovative and critical thinking skills to design solutions to organizational challenges
• Tackle ambiguous problems to determine and prioritize business strategies
• Utilize outstanding teamwork, collaboration, communication and leadership skills to deliver cross‑functional projects on time and on budget

• 5+ years of experience in product development, beverage experience a plus
• Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects
• Strong working knowledge of product development protocols, including formulation, stability testing, product/package interaction, sensory and consumer testing methodology
• Ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments
• Project management skills required for developing project timelines with multiple cross‑functional touchpoints, including management of project budgets
• Ability to translate business objectives into strategic and tactical project goals and objectives
• Ability to work with lab and analytical equipment (pH meter, Brix meter, centrifuge, analytical balance, etc.)
• Proven track record in maintaining good working relationship with cross‑functional business partners (Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales, etc.)
• Ability to work effectively and manage risk in a fast‑paced environment with ambiguity and change
• Highly organized with great attention to detail and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unexpected requests
• B.S. in Food Science & Technology or related scientific field; advanced degree preferred
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future
• Must be located in Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment
• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3‑days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in‑office operations
• Domestic travel up to 25%

TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.

The salary range for this position is $71,000-$96,000 annually

Equal Opportunity Employer
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