Scientist I - Product Development

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Come and join a creative team of Food Science professionals dedicated to developing delicious new food concepts! We partner with our bakery and food service customers to come up with innovative and timely solutions. We are currently looking for a Product Development Scientist I in our toppings, creamers and culinary solutions team.
Our family of Rich Products associates cherish our unique culture where we work, learn and celebrate together. Our newly renovated world headquarters, located in Buffalo, New York, offers associates on-site day care, a cafeteria and fitness facility. Our state-of-the-art R&D labs, technical equipment and pilot lab are open concept, modern and invite collaboration between groups. Relocation packages are available for the right candidate.
This role performs routine research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical nature of food in order to evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes and to develop new products and processes.
Accountabilities require the ability to successfully partner with others cross-functionally.
Work gets done through Speed to Market or standardized business processes.
Key Accountabilities/Outcomes
New Product Development/Product Improvements/Cost reductions (40%)

• Selects and evaluates raw materials for experiments
• Performs basic measurements and statistical analysis.
• Prepares prototype products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment, as required.
• Interfaces frequently with various internal departments (e.g. Marketing, Procurement, Engineering, QA and Operations) and customers in accomplishing project milestones.
• Demonstrates new and existing products to staff and/or customers.
• Sets-up, operates and maintains pilot lab and research lab equipment.
• Administers and coordinates routine assignments, small projects or segments of larger projects, assisting in defining project objectives, organizing and prioritizing tasks and conducting necessary experiments and analyses.
• Designs and conducts basic shelf life and storage studies, including product and package performance evaluations under various conditions.

Technical Support (45%)

• Orders materials for producing and evaluating basic prototypes
• Presents results of basic experiments and recommendations to various groups, both internally and externally.
• Develops solutions to routine technical problems by applying basic technical knowledge and experience.

Record-keeping: (10%)

• Maintains a sanitary, safe and orderly work environment
• Maintains accurate, up to date records, laboratory notebooks and computer database
• Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol.
• Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field with 1+ years of experience in food preparation/food industry
Product Development And/or Dairy, And/or Emulsion Science Experience Preferred
Knowledge of advanced mathematics (i.e. statistics) and their practical application
Broad understanding of food science (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired through both lecture and laboratory work
Ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques
Solid verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment
Lift up to 50 lbs.
Stand for 6 or more hours during the work day
Ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, etc. through taste, smell, touch and visual inspection
Manual dexterity required to operate various equipment such as scales, balances, etc.
Solid PC proficiency (Excel, Word, database, statistical software) and the ability to create spreadsheets, computer analysis, report writing. Proficient with relevant software tools (e.g. PLM, etc.)
Ability to use database, presentation and project management software beneficial.
Travels regularly, up to 25%
Under special circumstances (e.g. plant start-ups) may be away from the Home Office for an extended duration
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Human Resources department at [email protected] if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.