Sr. Manager, Chemistry and Sensory

job purpose:

Provide enterprise support in the development and standardization of testing methods for the analysis of in-process and finished goods across manufacturing sites. Partner with key stakeholders in developing and implementation of product sensory evaluation programs to ensure product consistency, improve customer satisfaction, and improve food safety and quality. Provide analytical support in the determination of processing heat load effects on finished product sensory attributes including flavor, aroma, and appearance. Develop, standardize, and support laboratory equipment preventative maintenance and calibration frequencies. Partner with R&D to support testing and product innovation, engineering process change, and line quality validations.

responsibilities:

• Conduct chemical analysis of dairy products utilizing advanced techniques including GCMS, HPLC, and spectroscopy.
• Develop and standardize laboratory testing methods across manufacturing sites.
• Develop manufacturing sensory evaluation protocols to ensure product consistency and panelist ability to detect and identify dairy off notes and textures associated with product defects.
• Develop sensory metrics and reporting to provide support in product failure investigations.
• Participate in organoleptic evaluations and collaborate with cross-functional teams on identifying and resolving quality defects.
• Support laboratory equipment calibration, failure identification, and maintenance programs.
• Support research and development initiatives to improve finished product quality attributes.
• Develop and support laboratory technical training and proficiency programs.
• Collect and analyze laboratory technical data to ensure testing method precision and accuracy.
• Partner with R&D and engineering in the development and implementation of in-process and finished good testing to improve product consistency, quality, and operational performance.
• Conduct system validations to ensure finished product quality with reduction in destructive product testing.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, or related field required. (Masters preferred)
• 7-10 years in a chemistry and/or product development analytical lab with sensory and flavor system design experience strongly preferred
• Expertise in advanced chemistry techniques including GCMS, HPLC, NMR/FTIR Spectroscopy

working conditions and physical requirements:

• 40-45 Hours as required
• 40 Hours sitting/standing/walking
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Reaching/bending as required to conduct product testing and support of laboratory test equipment installation, calibration, and maintenance
• Exposure to hazards (machinery, confined spaces, chemicals, etc.)

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Goodyear, AZ / Webster, NY

reports to: Sr. Director of Quality Assurance

travel requirements: 25-30%

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt