Principal Scientist, R&D – Product Development

Principal Scientist, Product Development

The Principal Scientist, Product Development role is a technical lead responsible for commercializing projects across the Canada portfolio. The candidate will have proven communication, teamwork, and commercialization skills and is comfortable operating in a cross-functional environment. This role will be responsible for not only product development and commercialization, but also collaborating with a dedicated team and cross functional peers to complete projects, build a pipeline of projects based on feasibility, and identify enablers for future opportunities. In addition, you will be consulted for trouble shooting, collaborating with manufacturing facilities and quality.

You will report functionally to R&D manager and to the Costco Pod lead, who will arrange priorities and tasks required to commercialize the initiatives.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Translate the consumer/business need into products and packages that can be commercialized in a fast-paced test market environment.
• Work closely with dedicated team to identify near and long-term opportunities. Complete mid/low complexity projects in the near term, that includes repacking and alternate packages that are within capability of existing manufacturing lines.
• Build long term pipeline that offers a unique package/product that unlocks NSV and/or cost efficiencies.
• Develop and facilitate new product innovation by collaborating with platform teams, suppliers, and manufacturing facilities. Conduct bench testing for flavor/texture, shelf-life, and develop sensory plans accordingly. Work closely with quality, regulatory, and food safety to design foods that meet nutrition guidelines, claims on pack and can be produced at a manufacturing site. Complete the required specification and quality documentation as needed.
• This includes understanding the business need, designing, and implementing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, documenting, communicating results, and commercializing products.
• Proven communication and teamwork skills are critical in this role, which operates in a multifaceted and cross-functional environment.
• This position requires an individual to balance multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to work independently.
• Exhibiting a collaborative attitude and applying innovative solutions are a must.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• BS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Agricultural Science with minimum of 7 years of experience successfully commercializing products end-to-end in the food or CPG industry or minimum 5 years' experience with Master's Degree
• Extensive R&D experience encompassing project management, technical expertise, and food science knowledge
• Technical background and ability to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations
• Familiarity with Canada/Mount Royal business, and familiarity with Meals and Sauces products and network
• Experience delivering consumer centric, innovative solutions
• Have knowledge of suppliers and food manufacturers
• Demonstrated ability to influence, manage projects/people, and solve problems effectively.
• Brings an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset
• Must speak English, French speaking is a plus
• Ability to travel to Canada and willingness to travel up to 30%

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.