Job Details
Our client is a growing and innovative supplier of custom manufacturing and R&D services for companies that make nutritional supplements (dietary), power bars, protein drinks, muscle building formulas, etc. We are looking to hire an Applications Manager (Senior Formulation Scientist) to help design new and novel formulas for customers like GNC, Nature's Bounty, Hain Celestial, etc. The Applications Manager will work with the Technical, Production, and Sales teams to develop custom food and nutritional formulations while performing effective formulation costing, developmental testing, trials, label claims, new product specification establishment, and regulatory compliance. Candidates MUST HAVE at least 3 years of formulation experience "post-college" and at least 2 years managing other scientists. We are not looking to hire a new graduate. Job is located on site in the northern Denver suburbs. Relocation assistance will be provided on an "as needed" basis. Visa Sponsorship is NOT being provided for this job.
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead the interviewing, hiring, coaching, and development of food scientists and laboratory technicians.
- Manage 2 to 4 formulations scientists and lab technicians on a daily basis
- Establish procedures and systems for the R&D department.
- Oversee all product development efforts for customers.
- Work with the Sales Team on current and new business opportunities and the development of prototype products.
- Participate in technical customer calls to develop strategic business relationships. Provide technical consultation with the sales team to customers on new product ideation. Analyze cost saving initiatives obtained from alternative supplier qualification, processing formula changes, and analyzing inventory/logistics options.
- Re-costing and issuing quote sheet.
Product development:
Responsible for entire product development process including but not limit to:
- Design formulations consistent with current market trends and customers visions.
- Raw material evaluation and qualifications.
- Develop and prepare samples for customers according to Sales needs.
- Perform cost calculation, ingredient sourcing coordination, application, sample preparation, sensory, quote sheet preparation, and label review.
- Attend meetings with sales or with customers and provide support on sales inquiry according to project qualifier.
- Conduct pre and post new product trial meeting to coordinate with departments for new product launch.
- Establish Safety Plan for new product.
- Sizing and choosing suitable packaging for new products.
- Support cost saving initiatives obtained from alternative supplier qualification, processing formula changes, and analyzing inventory/logistics options.
- Work with Production personnel to complete pilot run. Coordinate scale up and supervise first production runs. Coordinate new product launch including transferring formula to production department, determining ultimate processing condition, and refining formula during transition.
- Flavoring and sensory
Documentation
- Prepare Preproduction Specifications according to project qualifiers.
- Prepare and coordinate packaging qualifications and approval for new and existing products.
- Initiate and coordinate new ingredient qualifications.
- Prepare and maintain single ingredient technical related documentation, both paper and electronic copy for all new products set up. Documents include product specifications, flow charts, nutritional, and other certificates.
- Use Genesis to create nutritional certificates.
- Assisting in execution of product certifications (eg. Organic, Kosher, Gluten free, BE, NGP, Biodynamic etc.) as assigned, by maintaining and requesting supplier certificates and filling the certifiers paperwork and passing for review and submission.
- Fill product specific customer questionnaires as requested, for product handled.
- Completing product related Questionnaire (including TraceGains or customer specific portals) for customer, that involves communicating with suppliers for product knowledge and addition.
- Change Control evaluation
Application lab maintenance
- Maintain projects bins organized and in appropriate order.
- Maintain the basic cleanness of countertop and scales. Attend a weekly application Lab cleaning meeting.
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Excellent math, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent managerial skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong product knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Thorough knowledge of domestic and international trade laws
- Ability to work in a team environment and take direction from management and supervisors.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedure manuals, work instructions, software manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to work with and become proficient at Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Basecamp, X3 Software and any other software tools acquired to perform this position s duties.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or other natural science
- Minimum of 3 years nutritional formulation experience.
- Minimum 2 years experience managing other scientists or lab technicians.
- Well-rounded knowledge of Food and Dietary supplement formulation and applications.
- Must be willing to relocate to the Denver area and be able to come to the office / laboratory every day, Monday through Friday.
- Some travel to customer locations and an occasional trade show is required.
This is a full time direct hire job with benefits. This is not a contract job. This job is ON SITE. Not remote. Not Hybrid. Must be authorized to work in the USA. No Visa sponsorships are being offered. We offer a generous base salary plus health insurance, PTO, 401K, and more.
If you are qualified and interested, please apply today!