R&D Food Specialist - Home Run Inn : Job Details

Job Type Full-timeDescriptionHome Run Inn is looking for a Food Scientist to join our team and provide technical expertise to help our organization create better food products and improve the packaging we use for the food that we sell. We are headstrong on being industry leaders in food safety and will expect our R&D Food Specialist to lead us to the next phase.Supports a culture of safety; follows all safety procedures. Responsible for safety performance in respective area. Ensures the implementation of, adherence to, and enforcement of workplace health and safety requirements. Ensures activities are completed to promote and enforce safe behaviors by supervisors and employees. Fulfills responsibilities as outlined in the company safety program.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complies with safety and GMP requirements.
• Lead new and existing frozen product development initiatives from conception to launch.
• Evaluates research and stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging ingredients, and new technologies to maintain, improve and create product lines.
• Performs formulation and reformulation efforts, from cradle to grave. This includes stability testing the final formulation in small batches as well as assisting with initial scale up batch manufacturing.
• Assists with expediting cost-efficient sources of raw materials for reformulations and existing products when necessary.
• Maintains accurate formula files, test samples, pilot samples, and raw material files. This includes GMP documentation of SDS and ingredient COAs.
• Generates, distributes, and implements knowledge about raw materials, formulations, and manufacturing process within the organization.
• Coordinates independent laboratory testing.
• Makes and ships trial batches needed for new product development, product improvements and/or product issue research.
• Tests and evaluates new and alternative raw materials.
• Work with cross-functional teams to implement new equipment and processes.
• Performs other related duties that may be required.

Home Run Inn Pizza is a fourth-generation family business that competes in both the restaurant and frozen food industries. Ideally you have one of our frozen pizzas in your freezer right now. Our primary goal at Home Run Inn Pizza is to be more than a participant in these industries. Our goal is to be a leader. We currently dominate the Chicago frozen pizza landscape, and we know exactly why. We've identified the key elements of our Chicago strategy and have decided it is time to become the leading tavern style pizza nationally!Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, nutrition or related field.
• 1 to 3 years' of Food Science experience.
• 1 to 3 years' experience as a baker, pastry chef or similar role
• Excellent working knowledge of cGMP requirements for food manufacturing.
• Thorough understanding of USDA and FDA regulations.
• Proficient in MS Office applications and electronic document management
• Strong project management skills and techniques.
• Knowledge of advanced math skills.
• Strong understanding of food science principles, culinary techniques (ideally with dough and pastries).
• In-depth experience with product formulation.
• Ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, etc. through taste, smell, touch and visual inspection.
• Must be able to stand, sit, walk, reach and stoop for the duration of an 8-hour shift with applicable breaks.
• Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally may be required to lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

• As required, works in a loud area that requires hearing protection and other protective equipment to be worn.
• May be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
• Frequently exposed to some of the FDA designated major food allergens (Milk and Wheat)
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including off shifts and weekends.
• 15-20% travel, including travel by plane, may be required.