Position: Beverage Formulation Scientist
Location: Remote
Our client is seeking an experienced beverage formulation scientist to join their dynamic Product team. This role requires a candidate with strong bench-top formulation and flavor expertise in the beverage category, along with an innovation mindset to ideate and renovate new and existing products. The role involves working cross-functionally with QA, Operations, Procurement teams, and external partners to ensure diligent development, scale-up, and commercialization of products.
Responsibilities
- Hands-on development of new beverage applications and improvement of existing products.
- Research and establish a scientific understanding of ingredients, including sweeteners, acids, flavors, and fiber, and their interactions within beverage systems.
- Partner with and manage ingredients, flavors, and equipment sourcing for product development.
- Collaborate with third-party flavor houses and university R&D teams on flavor technology, ingredient research, and market insights.
- Determine functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients using analytical and sensory tools.
- Source new ingredient technologies and functional ingredients, focusing on innovation in the CSD category.
- Create and document finished goods formulas for costing and production, identifying cost optimization opportunities.
- Utilize in-house or external labs to collect data on nutritional content, shelf-life, packaging, micro testing, etc., and make recommendations.
- Meet with ingredient and product suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials as needed.
- Work with operations, marketing, and sales teams to supply prototype samples.
- Collaborate with QA to ensure formulas are consistent and meet food safety standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Biology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
- 10+ years in beverage application development, with experience in carbonated soft drinks required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, NetSuite, PowerBI, and formulation management software.
- Experience in high-growth environments with swift decision-making and shifting priorities.
- Proven success in developing and scaling beverage applications across soft drinks, energy drinks, waters, or teas.
- Deep understanding of ingredients and their interactions in beverage systems; flavor house experience is a plus.
- Knowledge of beverage processing requirements: pasteurization, aseptic, cold fill.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to deliver results timely.
- Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional and external partners.
- Ability to learn new technologies quickly.
- Data-driven and strategic approach to product development.
- Highly organized with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.