Job Description

At Zentis - We are Fruit Masters!

Zentis is Europe's number one fruit processing company and one of the leading brand manufacturers of jams, sweets and custard-based dessert. The Company's North American operations are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Plymouth, Indiana, where we produce fruit and dairy preparations for a variety of customers including yogurt, ice cream and bakery manufacturers. We are currently looking to recruit a Product Development Scientist for our Philadelphia location.

The Product Development Scientist is responsible for developing new products and technologies with strategic importance to Zentis, ultimately leading to the growth and stability of the business.  This is accomplished by fostering close interactions with Sales and Zentis customers to effectively manage projects and develop new business.  

The Scientist is also responsible for strategically influencing the business by monitoring the external market for consumer trends, new ingredients and processing technologies.   As an active participant in the global Zentis R&D community, the Scientist stays current on internal Zentis development projects and innovation so that U.S. customers can benefit from Zentis’s global presence.  Areas of focus include beverages, ice cream, bakery fillings and glazes and dairy or dairy-alternative product applications.

The Scientist at Zentis also provides leadership, training and technical guidance to the team and peers as needed.  

This is an Exempt position. 

Primary Responsibilities :

• Independently manage projects through close partnership with Sales to meet customer requirements for timelines, performance and cost. Utilize DMS and Qualifax to develop and transfer products to manufacturing.   Employ project management and communication skills to keep projects on track jointly with Sales.  Present product prototypes and new concepts to customers in informal and formal presentation settings.    Propose solutions to technical challenges during development to ensure project objectives can be met. 

• Utilize experimental designs with relevant statistical analysis conducted to develop new products/processes to maintain, enhance or fix product quality issues for current products.  Establish parameters for finished product conformance based on customer expectations and plant capability.    Recommend testing methods to ensure ongoing conformance when routine tests are not adequate.  Work with suppliers and other external resources to align Zentis testing practices with industry standards.

• Own success of first productions: right-first-time scores (RFT) at above 90% when all other operational systems are functional and adhered to. This will be accomplished by having a strong knowledge base of applicable ingredients, especially stabilizers, and becoming familiar with all plants and production lines.   Expected to use intermediary scale ups (pilot plant) as needed and available to achieve RFT targets.     Assists in troubleshooting plant production issues especially when the root cause is potentially product design or ingredient related.

• Assist with cost and productivity improvement initiatives as needed to assure that product quality and customer requirements are not compromised.  

• Set up systems and programs to maintain development laboratories in a neat and organized manner to allow for efficient operation by utilizing designated procedures and systems.  Suggest upgrades as needed.

• Develop less experienced and/or junior members of the R&D team as a mentor and coach.  Share knowledge during project work especially when doing so would impact the success of the overall business and development of other team members.  

Formal Education Required:

• Minimum: B.S. in Food Science, Food Engineering,  Nutrition, Culinology or related food technical field.  

Specific Experience and Key Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum 7-10 years food industry R&D experience in related product areas or 5-7 yrs experience with a M.S. degree and related thesis; expertise in formulation, process scale-up, food regulations, use of functional ingredients such as stabilizers (starches, pectins gums), colors, flavors, and fruit formulations.  Inclination to understand problems and find sustainable solutions.  Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Special Skills and Abilities Required :

• Positive, proactive work ethic.
• Good project management skills. 
• Good organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems independently and though collaboration with others. 
• Comfortable presenting technical information to customers and internal partners. 
• Ability to analyze quantitative data and summarize findings. 
• Strong familiarity with functional ingredients, product formulations, thermal processes and production scale equipment. 
• Strong computer software programs proficiency Microsoft Office 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.  Familiarity with SAP and formula management applications a plus.  
• Ability to represent the company externally in a professional and supportive manner; 

Able to travel to support business initiatives.

EOE/M/F/H/V

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