PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations and most importantly, the development of our people. Whether at our manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers you the support you need to create the career you want, through engagement, equity and inclusion, and opportunity.

From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ produces more than 2,500 different aerosol and liquid products in our facilities across the continent. We know that being the partner of choice for our clients starts with being the partner of choice for our employees. Learn more at www.plzcorp.com/careers or visit https://youtu.be/XYNIFpLQIJY

The Senior Food R&D Chemist will focus on formulation of new products, performance evaluation, raw material selection and qualification, sales sample preparation, technology transfer, and troubleshooting technical issues. Detailed documentation of results and strong communication skills are required as well as the ability to work with cross-functional teams, and customers.

 Key Responsibility:

• Directly support R&D projects for PLZ Food Service Center of Excellence
• Conduct research, formulation, and product development studies with minimal supervision.
• Analyzes research and testing data scientifically and translates into reports that can be utilized by R&D and other departments.
• Work with sales and marketing in concept development, prototype evaluation, label claims and final product selection
• Provide scientific opinions, advice, and responses to inquiries from customers, PLZ departments, and project stakeholders.
• Communicate project updates and respond to inquiries from customers, PLZ departments, and project stakeholders on internal PLZ project management tools.
• Prepare samples for customer testing and approval.
• Conduct performance tests.
• Conduct shelf stability tests and monitoring
• Maintain R&D records
• Maintain and document R&D tests and trials
• When required due to regulation change or opportunity, reformulate products and associated manufacturing processes.
• Test new raw ingredients and components for qualification in collaboration with Logistics and Purchasing.
• Enforcing SQF, Food Safety, Food Defense, Product Quality, GMP, Allergen Control, and Cleaning and Sanitation, and Company Safety policies.
• Identify and resolve food safety issues.
• Assist in investigative activities to resolve QA problems, customer complaints, and other technical issues.
• Utilize inventory management tools (SAP) to assist in the product development process.
• Participate in continuous education through training, seminars, and other tools provided by the company or third party groups
• Communicate project updates and respond to inquiries from customers, PLZ departments, and project stakeholders on internal PLZ project management tools.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a science course (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Nutrition, etc.) required
• Previous experience in R&D or Product Development, QA/QC, Laboratory Testing, recommended.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to effectively communicate with both internal stakeholders and external customers

PLZ Corp offers a robust suite of benefits including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits.
• Company paid Life and Short-Term disability.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance.
• 401k & company provided match.
• Paid Time Off
• Bonus incentive programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.