The Product Development Scientist will:

Be responsible for identifying technical solutions and delivering product formulation and scale up needs for the innovation and renovation project portfolio. Partner with Marketing to leverage and translate sensory and consumer insights into products from concept to launch. Lead overall product development initiatives from bench top formulation to scale up. Support associated industrialization trials in close collaboration with Quality. Represent the R&D team as subject matter expert for product development and product knowledge transfer to the factories. Collaborate internally and externally to build strong relationships to continuously improve technical capabilities and facilitate agile project management. Work closely with procurement team to ensure new suppliers/ingredients are qualified for use in current/future formulations.

Key responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead consumer-focused new product/formula development projects for all domestic brands
• Set and manage product development project plans and facilitate execution to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
• Hands on benchtop beverage development, scale up and industrialization
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Regulatory and Legal while leveraging external resources from ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers and other 3rd party resources to deliver project results and innovative new product formulations
• Lead the qualification of 3rd party flavor houses, develop RFP/Briefs for new flavor/ingredient opportunities
• Lead ingredient, product recipe and specification development deliverables through industrialization phase
• Manage technical direction of projects; identify /communicate key deliverables and next steps
• Manage complex business relationships with ingredient, process technology partner companies, contract developers and manufacturers, consultants, vendors, cross-functional departments, and outside experts in support of achieving consumer needs and effective project execution
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently varying in length
• Utilize the Primo Brands stage gate innovation framework to ensure full compliance with the Quality Management System and adhere to all relevant Primo Brands Technical Instructions for new product development initiatives
• Support on-going operations with recipe/ingredient specification changes and the qualification of new ingredients

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required in Food Science, food engineering or related field
• Minimum 7-10 years of relevant work experience in product development, process scale up, quality, or manufacturing in CPG setting (Beverage development highly preferred)
• Strong project management experience with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and in matrix environments
• Demonstrated competency in managing complexity and ambiguity
• Communicates in a timely, concise, and effective manner, both written and verbally
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to effectively interface at all levels, with strong ability to influence with integrity, especially across functions
• Ability to facilitate meetings, conference calls and present effectively to groups at all levels
• Strong computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint as well as SAP
• Understanding of financials (COGs, basic P&L understanding)
• Six Sigma Certification, GSTD/DMAIC, FI experience a plus
• Ability to travel, approximately 15% throughout the year

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $59.35 to $65.95 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.