Senior Food Scientist at JBSS Inc.

Summary of Position

The Senior Food Scientist is responsible for technical project management, new product development, product optimization, cost reduction, and quality improvement across all JBSS business channels and product categories. This role provides technical leadership in developing private-label innovative products such as nuts, mixes, snacks, and bars. The Senior Food Scientist also manages customer relationships, leads projects from benchtop to commercialization, and supports sample requests and innovation initiatives.

*Position is 4 days a week on-site*

*This position is not eligible for sponsorship. *

Functions of the Position:

• Lead technical project management, including organizing team meetings, assessing risks, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver consumer-driven products.
• Work with engineering, packaging, and operations teams to develop formulas and processes for commercialization.
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, sales) and external customers on new items, sample requests, and innovation projects.
• Source new raw materials, flavors, and resources through external suppliers and leverage sensory evaluation tools.
• Partner with R&D, production, accounting, and procurement to create innovative, on-trend formulas aligned with JBSS capabilities.
• Integrate into production processes, working with schedulers, supervisors, operators, packaging, and QA to scale up and launch products.
• Document raw material and finished goods specifications and maintain R&D records.
• Support cost optimization projects and collaborate on allergen, Kosher, labeling, specification, and claims issues.

Education, Experience, and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Technology, Food or Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field (required).
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Science or Engineering (preferred).
• Five or more years of experience in the food industry, specifically in R&D and/or product development; private label experience preferred.
• Proven track record of technical innovation and product development in food products.
• Experience in consumer-driven product development is highly desirable.
• Strong project management skills, including defining scope, influencing stakeholders, and demonstrating leadership.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements preferred; experience with Product Vision software is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead low- to medium-complexity projects and adapt to changing priorities.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

JBSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.