Contract Food Technologist
Everytable, PBC is a mission-driven food company that fights for food justice by making fresh, nutritious food accessible to everyone, everywhere. Our multi-channel business includes grab and go stores, SmartFridges, and a weekly Subscription service, all powered by a central kitchen that produces meals starting at $5. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Everytable has emerged as a leading first responder for food across Los Angeles. In partnership with city and county government agencies and non-profit organizations, Everytable has established an effort that will deliver more than 3 million meals [and counting] to the most vulnerable populations across Los Angeles: homebound seniors, homeless residents now housed in hotels, community college students, etc. While we grow exponentially across greater Los Angeles, we are laying the foundation for national expansion.
Position Overview
We are seeking an R&D Food Technologist to join our team in Los Angeles. This position will report to the Commercialization Director, while also interacting with various levels of leadership within the organization.
The Contract Food Technologist will support development of new products, their associated manufacturing procedures, and usher them through Commercialization. This will be a contracted role for approximately three (3) months. This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with R&D Chefs, Commercialization, Manufacturing, FSQA, Supply Chain, and several other departments. Primary responsibilities include taking conceptual recipes developed by chefs and translating to commercial product formulas with scalable processing procedures. Additional responsibilities include conducting plant trials, reviewing raw materials to determine fit for use, setting shelf-life parameters and author finished good specifications for new innovative products.
Position Title: Food Technologist
Reporting To: Commercialization Director
Working In Collaboration With
R&D, inclusive of Commercialization
Supply Chain
Production
FSQA
Marketing
All Sales Channels (Stores, Subscription, SmartFridge, Institutional Partners)
Key Result Areas: (% weighted in accordance of importance)
Broken Down Into The Following Categories
Research & Development 40%
Commercialization 40%
Process & Product Optimization 20%
Total 100%
Responsibilities
Collaborate with R&D Chefs to develop new products from bench top to commercialization.
Regularly assess current processes, technology, and equipment to determine improvements and institute relevant SOPs.
Work with cross functional teams to carry out root cause analysis / resolving development issues or product improvements as required.
Spec out new equipment in collaboration with Operations/Manufacturing, FSQA and lead commissioning of new equipment.
Conduct lab/bench experiments and line trials within the manufacturing facility to ensure accuracy of process and quality of product.
Resolve roadblocks in product development that enable new product launches and improvements in quality, production efficiencies and throughput.
Stay current on new food processing technologies, equipment, and process designs.
Influential in controlling cost, yield and providing commercialization, production and technical teams with necessary support and information.
Ensure all products meet internal and external guidelines for nutrition, regulatory affairs, and food labeling.
Conduct research and experiments as required to extend the shelf life of new or existing products or materials.
Organize and facilitate needed sensory evaluations of raw materials and finished goods, and utilize results to improve product formulation.
Support R&D, Commercialization, Production and other departments as needed in business continuity projects (i.e cost savings, system/process optimizations, etc.).
Requirements/Qualifications
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent with hands-on relevant food industry experience.
Strong technical knowledge and experience in food manufacturing technologies and ingredient/process interactions
3+ years of experience in new food technical product/process development and successful commercialization of new food products required (experience with chilled ready-to-eat products is preferred)
Ability to document investigations, testing and lab procedures accurately and project manage multiple deliverables simultaneously
Ability to follow written and scientific procedures and troubleshoot production problems within the context of written guidelines or directives.
Knowledge of food safety, HACCP, quality systems, and USDA/FDA regulations preferred
Passion and imagination for creating & implementing new and exciting food products
Able to effectively communicate food processing and food science principles to cross-functional teams
May require up to 20% travel
Demonstrated ability to work in a flexible, adaptable work environment.
Obsession with making things work better.
Consistent, exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong diplomacy and collaboration skills.
Ability to build relationships and work effectively with associates at different levels across the organization.
Strong analytical capabilities and the ability to develop solutions to support company goals.
Process-oriented with a sense of urgency and drive to manage projects to completion.
Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Excel
Ability to work in temperatures as low 40F.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40lbs.
Benefits
Competitive salary
Full health + dental
Energetic team environment at a purpose-driven company
Delicious, healthy Everytable meals