Principal Food Scientist

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

This position supports SunOpta's commercial growth by developing new products and optimizing existing offerings to meet evolving customer requirements. The incumbent will work cross-functionally with Business Management, FSQ, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to drive innovation, cost efficiency, and key business initiatives. Responsibilities include ensuring timely delivery of product development and improvement projects, while providing expert R\&D guidance to cross-functional teams.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop products (dairy, functional beverages, aseptic dairy beverages and others as assigned) from concept to production to meet customer specifications and needs.
• Responsibilities include product formulation, ingredient sourcing & validation (in cooperation with Procurement), bench top work, and scale up trials across the SunOpta portfolio (plant-based and value-added beverages, barista products, plant- and animal-based broths, BFY fruit snacks).
• Communicate, collaborate and provide technical support to Business Management, Sales, FSQ, and Manufacturing.
• Ability to manage and complete multiple product development efforts within specified timelines.
• Develop products within cost parameters as required.
• Execute sensory and shelf-life evaluation as needed on new ingredients and finished products.
• Establish finished product specifications (formula, ingredients, nutrition, allergen labeling) on new products and update as needed.
• Provide product information and technical support to customers.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in food science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• 10 years of industry experience in product development with relevant experience in dairy, functional beverages, and aseptic dairy beverages highly desirable.
• Knowledge of regulatory, organic, non-GMO and kosher requirements.
• Computer proficiency in Windows based programs including MS Word, Outlook and MS Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in food science (preferred), Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• Experience working with ultrafiltered dairy ingredients highly preferred.
• Manufacturing/startup production experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Genesis Nutritional programs a plus.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of Food preparation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices is beneficial.
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and drive excellence.

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation: Up to 25%.
• This position will be at the SunOpta Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Approximately 75% of the work is performed in an office environment. 25% of work may involve being in the agricultural or manufacturing environment.

Featured Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED