Food Scientist, Technical Lead

Hola! As a seasoned expert in the Research & Development and Food Manufacturing industry, we know you’ve probably got your hands full (figuratively speaking) of evaluations, continuous improvement strategies, and operational knowledge, but we’re glad you’re taking the time to eat—er—read this....Pardon our Freudian Chip! What we’d really like to know is whether or not you’d be interested in keeping your hands full of all those things, but tossing in (literally this time) our delicious Tortilla Chips, Botana Sauces, and Salsas into the mix, too. Sound like something you’re interested in? We look forward to hearing from you!

About you:

• Like a binder with color-coded and alphabetized dividers or a planner with categorized tasks and to-do lists, you’re organized and pay attention to detail.
• When people describe your communication style they use words like, “clear” and “effective” (some might also use words like, “witty” and “kind” and “super cool person,” but hey, we’re not here to put words in your mouth!).
• If solving problems was a problem, you’d have it solved. As in, you’re the kind of person who can solve a Rubik’s Cube or the Times crossword puzzle in record-time. You’re that good.
• You’re like the trusty revolving tray you pull out for holiday gatherings (only much speedier and more proactive) because of your ability to pivot and multi-task competing priorities—er, dishes.
• You’re the first person to start a project, always. You take initiative, this way you have ample time to meet every deadline—all while making sure you’ve got a back-up plan for Scenario A, B, C, and Z, of course.
• You demonstrate effective communication skills to work with multiple suppliers and vendors, all while managing a variety of tasks, projects, and operations—check, check!

What you will do:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for co-manufacturers regarding product concerns and technical support needs.
• Manage the technical onboarding process for new raw materials including reviewing documentation, trialing, and monitoring first production runs.
• Provide ongoing product support to contract manufacturers and ensure familiarity with Siete’s product line and manufacturing processes.
• Address product structure concerns promptly and recommend appropriate response plans.
• Lead technical onboarding of current product portfolio at new co-manufacturers, including pre-onboarding, plant trial and first production support.
• Validate and maintain the raw product specification database.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with procurement, suppliers, operations, quality, and product development teams to ensure accuracy and currency of raw specifications.
• Assist in implementing change management procedures at co-manufacturers.
• Monitor and support continuous improvement initiatives for products and manufacturing processes.
• Travel approximately up to 50% of the time.

Your experience:

• 6+ years of R&D experience in a food-manufacturing environment is required.
• Experience with shelf-stable and temperature-sensitive products is a plus.
• Degree in Food Science or Technology or Laboratory Science (such as biology, chemistry or physics, etc.) or related discipline a plus.
• Proficiency in software/desktop applications such as Word, Excel, supplier management software preferred.
• Experience with TraceGains Software is a plus.