Corporate Food Technology Specialist, Product Development

Company Name: Kroger General Office
Position Type: Employee
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

Provide depth of knowledge in food technology regarding product technical services and product quality maintenance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Corporate Food Technology in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.
Essential Job Functions:

• Assist in evaluating and recommending new processes, programs, equipment and technologies appropriate to Kroger manufacturing, distribution, quality assurance or retailing
• Work with internal and external teams to develop and improve new and existing product processes while containing costs and maintaining or improving product quality
• Follow regulatory and technological changes that may affect the food industry
• Assist in coordinating activities and projects with both internal manufacturing plants and external contracted manufacturers; both food and non-food consumer products
• Provide leadership to manufacturing operations to troubleshoot product and/or processing problems and find solutions
• Work with plant teams in resolving differences in manufacturing processes between multiple operation locations that will improve the quality and costs of products and increase efficiencies
• Demonstrate excellence in project planning and execution through best use of resources to shorten the time to project completion
• Effectively and simultaneously manage multiple projects for multiple customers
• Perform pilot plant development work and conduct plant trials of new products and processes
• Reformulate products as prudent to reduce ingredient and manufacturing costs while maintaining and/or improving product quality
• Provide technical assistance related to testing techniques and quality assurance procedures for plants
• Audit products for quality and manage audit follow-up projects to improve quality
• Audit plant batching operations and analyze consumer comments
• Prepare and maintain material specification documents
• Work with Sensory Manager to organize and coordinate consumer panels
• Review product label proofs to ensure compliance with all labeling and claim regulations
• Travel as required for execution of essential job duties
• Direct activities of lab technical staff as needed
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Minimum Position Qualifications/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, dairy science/bakery science or related field
• Experience in product development or plant production
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Proven project leadership skills

Desired Previous Job Experience:

• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Experience with multiple food and/or non-food categories
• 4 years of experience in product technical service or plant production (L-8)
• Experience managing diverse, complex or high-risk product categories (L-8)

Education Level: Bachelor's Desired
Required Travel: Up to 25%
Required Certifications/Licenses: None
Position Type: Full-Time
Regions: General Office- Cincinnati

States: Ohio
Keywords:

Jobs at Kroger: At Kroger, we hire people who have a passion for helping others and who want to build a relationship with our Customers. No matter what stage of your career, you can build your future at Kroger. We look for people who want more, aspire to be more and work hard to achieve their goals. Our focus on keeping the Customer first is what makes us successful. As the largest traditional grocery chain in the U.S. and one of the world's largest retailers, we employee more nearly half a million Associates across 35 states. We offer many opportunities not only in our stores, but in Manufacturing, Logistics, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, and many other fields.

Company Overview: Kroger Family of Companies employs nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. At The Kroger Co., we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. Careers with The Kroger Co. and our family of companies offer competitive wages, flexible schedules, benefits and room for advancement.

Posting Notes: OH || Cincinnati || 1014 Vine Street || 45202 || Kroger General Office || [[mfield2]] || Retail Operations || Employee || Exempt || Full-Time || None