Position Summary
This position is responsible for the development/enhancement of whey protein from concept/opportunity through commercialization (to the customer). This person will be relied upon as an expert related to whey protein including dairy science research, innovation, development, applications; relating to new product/solution development; but also, for formulation cost-out opportunities, process improvements, new technology scouting. Key driver of organic growth through monetization of the opportunity and innovation pipeline.
Essential Functions
- Responsible for all technical and process aspects of projects from concept to launch. This will require working cross-functionally with many areas of the business to cover aspects such as product composition and process, support to costing, manufacturing and technical support.
- Independently plan and execute bench, pilot, and plant trials for new and improved products, analyze test results and effectively translate these into problem solving for next steps that lead to project successes. Document trial details and files data in an organized fashion to ensure data is available for future reference.
- Contribute to scoping and design of new ideas or technical solutions that contribute to R&I and product category strategy.
- Provide ongoing technical support to the business for new and existing products.
- Provide support on process targets designed to meet product specifications and company yield goals. Monitor performance and make recommendations for adjustments.
- Preparation of reports and presentations to senior level management.
- Proactively look for opportunities to innovate via the development and introduction of new process/technologies.
- Develop and manage product formulas, finished good specifications, processing procedures and raw material specifications that ensure high quality finished goods. Additionally, collect and maintain supporting supplementary documentation to the main specifications.
- Collaborate with suppliers to pursue new technologies, capabilities, and novel ingredients.
- Deliver fundamental training and information sharing to cross functional partners or junior team members; Optimize and/or champion new ways of working.
Competencies
- Detailed Oriented
- Problem Solving/Analysis
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Technical Capacity
- Strong Organization Skills
- Trend Analysis
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
This job operates in an office, lab and plant environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Exposed to extreme temperature variations. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.
Physical Demands
The physical demands for this position are mainly able to do sedentary work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently will need to sit, stand, walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Typical hours of work are 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with night and weekend work as needed
Travel
Occasional travel expected for this position.
Required Education, Experience & Certifications
Bachelors degree in, food science, food technology, chemistry, engineering, or related field of study and two years of dairy processing, dairy applications, dairy R&D or similar foods/products, cheese making or cultured dairy products, experience. Proficiency in basic computer skills.
Preferred Education, Experience & Certifications
Master’s degree in related field and/or 5 years of applicable experience in food processing manufacturing environment. Bilingual in English/Spanish.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
None.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of responsibilities, duties or tasks that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities, duties and tasks may change at any time with or without notice.
Monday through Friday, with night and weekend work as needed
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, food technology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field
- Two years of experience in dairy processing, dairy applications, dairy research and development, food or related products, cheese making, or cultured dairy products
- Basic computer skills
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Five years of applicable experience in a food processing manufacturing environment
- Bilingual English and Spanish proficiency
What We Do
Valley Queen Cheese Factory is a privately held dairy manufacturer based in Milbank, South Dakota. It processes milk sourced from regional farms into cheese and dairy ingredients, including whey and lactose, supplying national and global food processors and brands. Its products are used in retail and foodservice foods, and the company works with dairy-farm partners while supporting employment and economic opportunity in its rural communities.
