Sensory & Product Development Scientist Level I

Job Summary
This position is the primary Sensory Scientist for HP Hood and entails up to 20% of Product Development work as capacity allows.
The Sensory Scientist I facilitates the development of test recommendations and timelines as well as execution of sensory and consumer testing. This position collaborates heavily with cross-functional teams and ensures data is analyzed correctly and insights are drawn and communicated to the teams. Projects might span new products, cost savings, and quality improvements for Hood branded, licensed, and private label dairy and non-dairy products.  The Product Development part of this position develops technical timelines, benchtop samples, Ingredient Specs, Formulas, and Semi Finished Goods Specifications. The ideal candidate will apply knowledge associated with statistical analysis, DOE, and SPC.

Core Responsibilities
•    Act as Subject Matter Expert for all Sensory and Consumer Research needs within Hood.
•    Execute Sensory and Product Development projects focused on new products, processes, ingredients and continuous improvement.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with external fielding agencies and research partners
•    Identify methodology, plan, execute, and analyze sensory and consumer tests for all project types.
•    Generate and present results decks with clear learnings, insights and recommendations to facilitate decision making in the product development process.
•    Develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships to drive learning and insights when bringing new or renovated products to market.
•    Maintain existing products through new suppliers, alternate ingredients, and process improvement.
•    Apply best practices in sensory and consumer testing 
•    Adhere to R&D SOPs and checklists.
•    Adhere to R&D Operating Principles; Commitment to Technical Expertise & Knowledge: Clear, Concise, Continuous Communication;

Technical Leadership & Project Management and collaboration between R&D and its Business Partners.
•    Develop new products to meet consumer needs.
•    Travel required as needed for business; communicate with supervisor when not manageable.

Functional and Technical Skills & Knowledge
•    Foundational technical knowledge of food science, sensory science, and data analysis.
•    Understanding of and ability to apply sensory and consumer best practices and explain reasoning for each clearly.
•    Guide teams to define clear objectives and create team alignment.
•    Capacity and ability to manage several projects concurrently.
•    Ability to use knowledge covering Product Development, statistical analysis, DOE, and SPC.
•    Draft Ingredient Spec, Formulas, Semi Finished Good Specifications
•    Demonstrative ability to develop technical timelines and formulation plans.

Product & Customer Knowledge & Insight
•    Basic understanding of a technical segment of Hood products, sensory attributes, and the corresponding Customer and Consumer needs.
•    Ability to develop relationships with external suppliers
•    Ability to design research that aids customer relationships and elevate sales materials

Behaviors & Attributes
•    Critical Thinking: Develop and demonstrate skills to handle risk and uncertainty
•    Accountability & Ownership: Strong self-accountability to meet deadlines and drive results; is accountable for own work; meets timelines and expectations.
•    Communication: Effectively communicates requirements and tailors messages to the audience; checks for understanding.
•    Problem-Solving Savvy: Develop and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
•    Learning & Self-Development: Curious and shows ability and desire to learn. Is personally committed to and actively works towards continual self-improvement. Leads-by-example while working on projects
•    Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with other team members; collaborates well with team members and members outside the department. Gains trusted advisor status with cross-functional team members and management.
•    Interpersonal Skills: Shows strong interpersonal skills by bridging the gap between complex data and business strategy (Through active listening, tailored communication, skilled panel leadership and cross functional collaboration.)
•    Embraces North Star Values: Strive for success through continuous improvement and the quality and safety of our people, products and services. This is a commitment to proudly serving Hood’s customers and consumers with products that meet their needs, exceed their expectations, and bring them joy.

Qualifications & Experience
•    BS + 5 years industry experience OR MS/PhD + 0-3 years industry experience
•    Masters/Bachelor of Science/Engineering degree in relevant scientific field of study
•    Certifications are highly beneficial

The pay range for this position is $95,000 - $105,000 USD. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.