Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and 21 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.
Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Food Technologist based out of our corporate offices in Bloomington, MN. The Food Technologist works closely with the Food and Treat Product Development teams as well as cross-functionally with marketing and operations, develops new products and improves existing products designed to meet the needs of our fans. Understands and highlights the cause and effect of product/ingredient/process changes and identifies effective solutions. Assists in conducting testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, and cost of goods reduction testing to assure continued cost, quality and marketplace competitiveness. Works towards reducing variability and ensuring reproducibility at the store level of high-quality, high-value products.
Acts as a positive, solutions-oriented, contributing team member. Must demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems, anticipate project needs and recommend next steps.
Key Accountabilities Include:
- Evaluate new or alternative products, packaging or equipment; record testing data, and document results. Report and review project results to supervisor and appropriate internal team members.
- Assist in development of specifications for new treat/food menu items. Document ingredient specifications and maintain updated finished product specifications. Devise and perform testing procedures to determine product specification tolerances.
- Evaluate, monitor and report consumer competitive menus/products and marketplace trends to supervisor and appropriate internal team members. Apply basic research to troubleshoot food science related issues.
- Perform corporate technical support, working with other departments on training and troubleshooting problems. Assist in training of internal departments on new products and procedures. Maintain customer service functions with franchisees, internal team members and suppliers.
- Prepare menu items/products for review by internal team members, and Council/Committees. Assist with in-house sensory evaluation taste panels, focus groups and other consumer research projects. Maintain laboratory facility and equipment.
Must have the ability to travel throughout US, Canada and Mexico
Required Skills
- Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate/present to a variety of audiences.
- Familiar with inspection and testing sampling and practices and food regulations. Ability to apply sound technical principles and practices to problem solving. Knowledge of food technology, food microbiology, safe food handling procedures and foodservice sanitation practices.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP principles.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends, as necessary to meet project deadlines.
- Ability to work in a QA/Product Development lab and factory environments for extended periods of time.
- Competency in the use of computers and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point, One Note. Ability to work on computer for extended periods of time.
Required Experience
- B.A. or B.S. Degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field is required.
- 1-3 years of experience of professional product development experience.
- Knowledge of standard sensory methodologies and ability to conduct sensory testing.
- Capable of assimilating large quantities of data, sorting relevant facts and provide concise, cogent descriptions of situations.
Benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, employer paid basic life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid sick and vacation, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, wellness challenges and more!
IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.
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