Pet Product Development Scientist III

JOB FUNCTION

The R&D Scientist III – Pet Product Development is responsible for leading product development initiatives and testing to translate consumer insights into technical design requirements. This role involves formulating new and existing pet products, managing project activities using established project management methodologies, and driving cross-functional collaboration throughout the development process. The successful candidate will contribute to innovation, cost optimization, and quality enhancement efforts that align with company goals and deliver value to pet owners and their companions.

• Develop/Formulate new products and improvements to existing products within AAFCO requirements. Assure that product activities meet company cost capacity, quality, marketing and product development requirements.
• Coordinate and run (in partnership with Pilot Plant and Manufacturing Sites) experimental designs to test hypotheses in the areas of sensory/palatability, stability, and other key technical project deliverables.
• Communicate results, key learnings, and recommendations. Author or contribute to technical proposals, summaries, presentations, and project reports.
• Lead project or technical teams, as needed to proactively meet project needs/timing.
• Actively collaborate and partner with team members, both internal and external to R&D, to develop key tasks and project plans for timely completion of goals
• Support the identification and solution of cost savings issues, product/packaging change issues, equipment modifications, manufacturability issues, etc., using appropriate scientific principles.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education: BS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Animal Nutrition, or related field.

Experience: a minimum of five (5) years of relevant Pet experience in Research & Development is required.

Desired: Pet Food and/or Snacks formulation and product development experience is highly desired. Experience with food processes, e.g. extrusion, thermal processing, or baking is a plus. Experience with formulation software such as Concept 5 a plus.

Skills: Demonstrated problem-solving skills. Proven innovation and creativity. Ability to work effectively in team-based environment with multiple functional groups, in a collaborative and positive manner. Excellent communication skills. Ability to achieve results and execute multiple simultaneous projects.

Project Management Skills: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to organize and manage projects; interact, support, facilitate and lead multi-functional work teams; ability to lead team to a consensus; strong negotiation skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, in a fast paced environment, meeting deadlines, and communicating status.

Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel

Work Location: Lakeville, MN following a hybrid work schedule 3 days per week in office.