R&D Formulation Scientist (Nampa, United States) at Groupe Bel

Bel, makers of iconic brands including GoGo squeeZ, Babybel, The Laughing Cow, and Boursin is a growing global company that values your contributions, strives to create a sense of belonging for everyone and offers career growth and development opportunities, as well as competitive total compensation and meaningful well-being benefits from day one. For All, For Good, our company signature, reflects Bel’s commitment to sustainability and healthier and responsible food for all. The company has headquarters in Chicago (Bel Brands USA) and New York City (GoGo Squeez) and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID.

Job Description Summary

The Research and Development (R&D) Food Formulation Scientist will play a critical role in creating, improving, and optimizing innovative food products that align with consumer trends, regulatory standards, and company goals. This role involves leveraging advanced scientific expertise to conceptualize recipes, conduct experiments, and scale up production processes while ensuring product quality, safety, and sustainability. The R&D Food Formulation Scientist will collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure the successful launch and execution of new products. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, creativity, and a passion for advancing food science and technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Product Development and Innovation (40%)

1. • Conduct research to identify trends and implement innovative food formulations that align with market demands (e.g., functional, plant-based, nutrient-forward products).
   • Design, prototype, and refine recipes by experimenting with ingredients to enhance taste, texture, and shelf stability.

Product Safety and Quality Assurance (20%)

2. • Ensure all products meet stringent safety, regulatory, and allergen requirements through rigorous analysis and testing protocols.
   • Oversee validation trials to ensure consistency in product quality at scale.

Process Optimization for Scaling (15%)

3. • Work with manufacturing teams to adapt bench-scale prototypes for full production while maintaining ingredient and product quality.
   • Optimize production parameters to improve efficiency, sustainability, and cost control when transitioning to commercial production.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (15%)

4. • Provide technical expertise to marketing, procurement, and supply chain teams during early concept ideation through to product commercialization.
   • Ensure project milestones are met within budget and timeline constraints by effectively communicating with stakeholders.

Industry Trend Analysis and Reporting (10%)

5. • Stay informed on industry innovations and emerging consumer preferences by attending trade shows, seminars, and analyzing market trends.
   • Report findings to key internal decision-makers for strategic roadmap planning.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in R&D in the food industry, preferably focused on product development or process optimization.
• Experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and ingredient functionality.

Technical Proficiencies:

• Familiarity with food processing equipment and production systems.
• Working knowledge of food safety regulations (i.e GMP, HACCP) and labeling requirements.

Skills and Competencies

• Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments with precision, ensuring product prototypes adhere to nutritional, sensory, and quality guidelines.
• Creativity and Innovation: Develop unique and trend-setting product ideas through ingredient experimentation and food system innovation. Creativity is critical for standing out in competitive consumer markets.
• Project Management Expertise: Demonstrates an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, from discovery through commercialization, while staying on budget and meeting deadlines.
• Communication and Collaboration: Proactively share insights and solutions with cross-functional teams, adapting technical findings into easily understood reports for non-technical stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on ingredient and formula details ensures consumer safety, quality, and product success in highly regulated environments.

Working Conditions

• Environment: This is an onsite role located in our Nampa manufacturing facility
• Travel: Periodic travel may be required for plant trials, supplier engagements, or industry conferences.  Up to 20% business travel may be required.
• Physical Demands: Activities may include standing for extended periods, lifting ingredients or materials up to 25 pounds, and handling equipment/testing instruments.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Schedule: Full-time position with standard business hours, though flexibility may be needed during critical project phases or commercialization timelines. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours with at least 40 hours a week.

Acknowledgement

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested management. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Total Rewards

• Base Salary: $70,000 - $80,000
• Bonus Opportunity: 10%
• 20 days PTO
• 4% match on 401k
• Health care by Cigna
• Free Vision & Dental

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

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