Food Scientist

Food Scientist

Location

14299 Frazho, Warren, MI, 48089, United States

Description

JLM Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Lipari Foods, is seeking a results-driven Food Scientist to lead the development of new products across multiple food categories and drive continuous improvement of the existing product portfolio. This role will collaborate closely with all manufacturing facilities to ensure alignment between product innovation and operational execution. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at cross-functional collaboration with teams including Sales, Category Management, Marketing, Operations, Quality and Procurement.

Key Responsibilities:

Translate consumer insights, culinary trends, and brand objectives into innovative product concepts aligned with Lipari's innovation KPI's and brand philosophy

Lead product development from bench-top through commercialization, ensuring feasibility, scalability and alignment with business goals

Collaborate with cross-functional teams - including Operations, Quality, Procurement, Sales, Category Management, and Marketing - to ensure smooth transitions from R D to production across all facilities

Develop and refine formulations, evaluating ingredient or component functionality, processing parameters, sensory attributes and consumer feedback to optimize product performance

Plan and execute prototypes, plant trials, and scale-up processes, focusing on product quality, shelf life, manufacturing efficiency and food safety\

Analyze and estimate product cost structures with high accuracy

Ensure all products meet standards for taste, texture, shelf life, safety, and regulatory compliance; maintain accurate documentation for all formulas and specifications

Evaluate and qualify new and existing raw material suppliers in collaboration with FSQR, Procurement and Category Management to ensure ingredient and packaging quality and compliance

Conduct sensory testing and quality evaluations to uphold JLM's standards for flavor, freshness and consistency

Lead packaging development for new and existing products, ensuring alignment with food safety, compliance, operational efficiency, and brand standards across all channels (retail, c-stores, club, etc.)Supports sales and category teams by preparing and coordinating product samples and presentations

Proactively identify and trouble shoot challenges in sourcing, processing and product quality; propose and implement effective solutions

Maintain precise and up-to date records, including BOM's, regulatory documentation and R D project files

Perform hands-on assembly and measurements of product components with accuracy

Utilize strong sensory acuity (visual, taste, smell, texture) for evaluating product quality

Position Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Food Science required

3+ years of experience in CPG product development with proven success in taking products from concept to shelf

Strong knowledge of Food Safety, Ingredient functionality, and Regulatory/Nutritional Labeling requirements (FDA, USDA, etc.)

Track record of leading transformational innovation that has delivered real business impact

Strong packaging development knowledge, working closely with suppliers and internal partners to create functional, innovative, and brand-aligned packaging solutions

Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize. Multi-task oriented

Strong verbal and written abilities

Ability to work effectively under pressure

Work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to make independent decisions

Ability to work in varying temperature extremes (hot/cold/humid/dry) and follow GMPs

Flexible - Work varying shifts as needed

Highly detail-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and urgency

Occasional travel for manufacturing trials, trade shows or other business needs

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel (Access is a plus)

Passion for food and innovation