Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed following our two core principles; continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.



We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so we can deliver ours. Above all, we're dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets-our team members. That's reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, regard and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of the team's future success!



Job Summary:

Leads high priority and complex projects autonomously working with cross functional teams from concepts to scale-up through commercialization processes. Develops and maintains detailed documentation of ongoing and future projects and provide reviews on the status of projects. Creates and maintains product specifications, formulations, processes and testing procedures.

Identifies opportunities for potential efficiencies in formulations or processes and seeks ways to implement with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

The individual will lead product development from concept to commercialization for the Meal Solutions business. Key responsibilities include:


• Possess an advanced understanding of the Research & Development process, encompassing ingredients, product formulation, and food processing. This role is responsible for leading and/or supporting the development of Innovation products, portfolio renovation, quality improvement, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Lead multiple projects through collaboration with internal cross-functional teams and/or external/co-man entities from concept creation to bench prototypes to commercialization
• Evaluate and demonstrate new technologies to enhance the business growth pipeline.
• Partner with procurement to identify new ingredients and suppliers, assess associated risks, and implement change plans.
• Utilize advanced processing expertise, experimental design, and data interpretation skills to make informed technical decisions and provide recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Conduct benchtop, pilot plant, and scale-up activities in collaboration with R&D team members and cross-functional teams to achieve successful outcomes.

Qualifications:


• Education: Bachelor, Master degree or Ph.D. in Food Science, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years in food industry for Master and Ph.D. degrees.
• Knowledge:


• Advanced knowledge in Hot Filled, Low Acid Canned Foods, Acidified and Non-Acidified Foods.
• Advanced understanding of ingredient functionality and interactions.
• Knowledgeable with Fat-in-water emulsion systems.
• Culinary training or education is a PLUS.
• Experienced in Specification systems.
• Advanced project commercialization process and management, including project milestone development, scale-up, margin/costs, commercialization process and activities.
• Have advanced knowledge, expertise and experience with functional ingredients for shelf-stable dairy products Retort/LACF processes.

Skills:




• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment.
• Proficiency with different sensory evaluation methodologies.
• Proficiency with food safety regulations and quality control processes.




• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to apply strategic thinking, data analysis, to suggest and demonstrate innovative solutions.




• Advance prioritization and share trade-offs with management.




• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to travel up to 30%



The annual base salary for this position ranges from $118,900-$164,000.00.

Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four-percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care-insurance, critical accident insurance, short and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.







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Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/DisabledPDN-9e6d5045-4e2f-4eb5-a71e-ba46b3a04fbe