The Research & Innovation (“R&I”) Food Scientist III contributes to the research and innovation of the company's solutions with a product scope that is based on the lines that are of powder and liquid products. The position is responsible for the development of product solutions for innovation, productivity, secure supply, quality and compliance with local legislation.

Essential Functions:

• Supporting the Nutricia Business with advanced understanding of R&I strategy, category/business strategy and the ability to leverage diverse methods for executing projects.
• Manage and deliver deep & complex innovation, renovation and productivity projects across a vast network of co-manufacturers and Danone factories, with primary focus on meeting strict nutritional, quality, organoleptic and cost targets while anticipating challenges and building solid contingencies
• Independently plan and execute bench, pilot, and plant trials for new and improved products, analyze test results and effectively translate these into problem solving for next steps that lead to project successes.
• Contribute to scoping and design of new ideas or technical solutions that contribute to R&I and product category strategy.
• Develop and manage product formulas, finished good specifications, processing procedures and raw material specifications that ensure high quality finished goods. Additionally, collect and maintain supporting supplementary documentation to the main specifications.
• Prepare technical dossier approved by a multidisciplinary team required for the registration process according to local legislation.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of and ensure product compliance with FDA and USDA requirements including US Food Labeling and certifications.
• Collaborate with suppliers to pursue new technologies, capabilities, and novel ingredients.
• Work cross functionally and progress to time a portfolio of technical projects.
• Preparation of reports and presentations to senior levels.
• Deliver fundamental training and information sharing to cross functional partners or junior team members; Optimize and/or champion new ways of working.

The base compensation range for this position is 87,000-107,000 commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge and expertise of process technologies, including in house processes, liquids & powders and ingredient interactions, with FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) or pharmaceutical background.
• Demonstration of a high level of technical knowledge when communicating internally and externally.
• Strong MS Office knowledge, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Proven creative flair for new product development.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to drive cross-functional project teams.
• Excellent presentation skills. 
• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively and enthusiasm to independently.
• Ability and commitment to see projects through to completion.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team setting.
• Strong CODES behaviors (Creates, Opens, Drives, Empowers, Self-aware).

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline relevant to food or pharmaceuticals with relevant product development experience. 
• Master’s degree in Food Engineering, Food Science, Chemical Engineering or Production Engineering preferred. 

• 5-10 years of relevant product and/or process development.
• Strong technical skills on product formulation, industrial processes, ingredient functionality and product-process interactions. Preference for experience in liquid and powder products/process.
• Comfortable and passionate about creating, rapid prototyping, development and commercialization of ideas under tight timelines.
• Fluent in English, both written and orally. Spanish and/or Portuguese is a plus.

At Danone North America, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world like Activia, Silk, Two Good, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working together to make sure our brands create real benefits for people, communities, and the planet. We have 6,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.