Research Scientist - Popcorn

ConAgra Foods, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is one of North America's leading packaged food companies, serving grocery retailers, as well as restaurants and foodservice establishments. The company employs more than 40,000 people and has annual revenues of $15 billion. ConAgra Foods offers dozens of famous brands such as: Healthy Choice, Van Camp's, Butterball, Armour, Parkay, Banquet, Hunt's, Peter Pan, Wesson, Marie Callender's, Slim Jim and Orville Redenbacher's.The ConAgra Foods culture supports strong, self-reliant leadership capable of working in an evolving and matrixed team environment. The down-to-earth, pragmatic environment is focused on results, and employees are passionate about making a difference.Position Summary:
Leader of Research & Development projects in support of selected brand/business teams in order to meet existing and emerging business needs.
Responsible for designing, implementing and the execution of technical projects including effective interaction with internal and external customers and resources.
Responsible for innovation and technological advancements leading to development of new products, product improvements or process improvements.
Provide expertise in evaluating technical developments and plans for products and processes.Position Responsibilities:
Responsible for designing, implementing and executing technical projects including all aspects of project management.
Responsible for innovative technological advancements leading to development of new products, product improvements or process improvements. Assess feasibility of new technologies and ideas and provide development plans.
Provide technical leadership to technical and cross functional project teams.
Provide technical leadership and information development in support of product, process and package developmental projects.
Achieve a high level of technical expertise in assigned areas and be capable of applying this expertise to resolve technical issues and deliver results.
Assess nature and significance of technical problems, recommend solutions and lead implementation.
Prepare and present technical reports, proposals and recommendations for management and project teams.
Aware of on-going developments in the field of specialization, including contacts with suppliers, universities and professional organizations.
Provide direction and mentoring to junior professionals.
Adhere to core values and beliefs of ConAgra.
Supervisory duties as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.Skills & Competencies
Proven results in all aspects and disciplines of R&D project leadership.
Ability to accurately estimate length and difficulty of tasks and projects; set objectives and goals to achieve business results.
Versatile learner with the ability to quickly grasp and process complex technical information.
Proven problem solving expertise.
Extensive experience with test designs, process design, plant testing and commercialization.
Utilize principles and methodology of experimental design to investigate technical problems and determine actionable solutions.
Ability to define product, ingredient and process specifications.
Ability to effectively communicate business needs to internal/external suppliers for ingredient identification, specifications, vendor certification, kosher certification, product applications and application solutions.
Resource for technical product information for sales/marketing, purchasing, operations, QA and customers.
Moderate to high business metrics knowledge.
Understanding of the patent process, from invention disclosure through the patent application process.
Knowledge of product safety and qualityScope:
Lead the development and commercialization of new, improved and cost reduced snack products.
Lead technical and cross functional initiatives in conjunction with business teams.
Lead development of innovative technological advancements.
Manage timelines, expenditures and results for projects.Qualifications/ Education/Experience/Skills:
BS in Science, Engineering or related field with 10+ years relevant work experience
MS in Science, Engineering or related field with 8+ years relevant work experience
PhD in Science, Engineering or related field with 6+ years relevant work experienceRelated fields include: Food Science, Foods & Nutrition, Dairy Science, Food Chemistry or Food ProcessingExperience in R&D Product Development in a food company is required, CPG desired. Experience in Snacks, oil or cereals is desired.Equipment Operation:
Must be capable in handling bench top equipment and be able to learn and operate pilot equipment.Physical Demands:
Work environment includes office, laboratory, pilot plant and plant environments
Travel to suppliers and operations (primarily domestic).
ConAgra Foods offers a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans; life insurance for yourself and your dependents; short-term and long-term disability plans; flexible spending accounts; 401(k) retirement savings plan and company paid pension plan. Additional benefits we offer include, but are not limited to, a stock purchase program; tuition reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).ConAgra Foods, Inc. is committed to the provision of equal employment for all qualified persons in all job classifications in recruitment, selection and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, veteran status or disability or any other protected characteristics.
REQUIREMENTS
Please see Job Description