Sensory Scientist & R&D Project Manager

Company Overview

Pulmuone’s mission is a company that creates a healthy future for people and the earth with wholesome foods. Pulmuone Foods USA brands include Nasoya, Wildwood, Emerald Valley Kitchen, Monterey Gourmet Foods, and Cibo Naturals. Pulmuone’s family of brands provide our consumers a wide variety of delicious products that are inspired by contemporary flavor palates and encourage a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Visit www.pulmuonefoodsusa.com to learn more about the company and brands.

This position conducts sensory evaluations and leads panels for accurate data collection. It interprets data, collaborates with food scientists and marketers for product insights, identifies process improvements, and tracks industry trends. It coordinates R&D projects, maintains documentation, and manages communication. Budget monitoring, process improvement, external relations, co-packer collaboration, and trend awareness are also key.

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Sensory Scientist Responsibilities (approximately 60%):

• Conduct sensory evaluations of food products to assess attributes.
• Lead sensory panels for consistent and reliable data collection.
• Interpret sensory data for actionable product insights.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mainly Marketing, aligning sensory goals with strategies.
• Improve sensory evaluation processes for efficiency and accuracy.
• Stay updated on analysis techniques and industry trends.
• Share findings with food scientists and stakeholders.
• Balance sensory duties with project management.

R&D Project Manager/Administrator Responsibilities (approximately 40%):

• Create a yearly/midterm business plan for the division.
• Coordinate project goals, scope timelines with food scientists and Marketing.
• Oversee projects within R&D, assign tasks, and ensure timely progress.
• Maintain project records and accurate documentation, including certifications with USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher, etc.
• Enhance cross-functional team communication (handle R&D/QA documents including formula card, product specs, SOP).
• Gather stakeholder input and manage expectations.
• Attend R&D meetings, reviews, and evaluate outcomes.
• Monitor and control R&D budgets and expenses.
• Enhance administrative processes for efficiency.
• Collaborate with co-packers and identify partners.
• Manage relationships with external partners, suppliers, and vendors.
• Keep abreast of market trends and competitor products.

Skills/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Food Science or related field.
• 3+ years of CPG food sensory evaluation experience.
• 2+ years of product development or NPD management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.

We offer competitive pay and benefits package, including health (~80-90% company paid) for employee and dependents, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, company match 401K plan, vacation, floating holidays, and company holidays.

Pulmuone is a global, distributed workforce in four countries. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and embrace people with different experiences, strengths, and backgrounds, who share a passion for making a healthier tomorrow for people and the planet with wholesome foods.