Jobs Available: Post seeks scientist for R&D

The Post Cereal tradition dates back to 1895 when C. W. Post made his first batch of Postum in a little white barn in Battle Creek, Michigan. Since then, Post has grown into a brand leader -- one of the top three in the cereal industry -- that nourishes people’s lives with delicious cereals. Post Cereal continues to grow with national favorites like Honey Bunches of Oats, Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles, and Grape-Nuts, and we are always looking for new products, employees and innovations to keep our business thriving. 

Battle Creek is Post Cereal's R&D and Operations headquarters, covering four cereal processing campuses. Post Cereal is looking for an experienced Research and Development Manager that can lead our Innovation and Renovation efforts for a portion of the Post cereals portfolio. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

Key Results areas:

As a Scientist II this person is responsible for leading mid-size product development projects for new products, quality improvements and cost savings initiatives from ideation through commercialization. The person in this position will design, plan, and execute product/process development activities such as: developing timetables, actively interfacing and coordinating activities with cross-functional team members to meet project goals, conducting pilot plant trials and plant trials, and supporting scale-up and launch plans. 

Job Duties:

• Manage multiple mid-size projects simultaneously. Independently develop project objectives. Responsible for product/process development and all product specification documentation; key partner on process specifications.

• Plan and execute pilot plant/plant experiments with input from manager. Co-lead consumer test design and execution. Interprets results using technical knowledge and skills and provides recommendations/Business solutions. 

• Actively seeks to continuously enhance technical skills, demonstrates technical expertise in a chosen technical area and provides technical expertise to the manufacturing facilities and other junior scientists.

• Develops strong cross functional relationships and acts as R&D lead on cross-functional teams by providing technical expertise and appropriate linkages to all critical functions.

• Articulates understanding and knowledge of strategic business planning.

• Direct management of interns/co-ops and up to 1 Technical Professionals while maintaining own project work.

• Responsible for technical and professional development of all direct reports. 

• Maintains lab notebook and appropriate research documents and reports

• Other special projects and duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience
Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related discipline. A MS is preferred.

• A minimum of 5-9 years’ experience in product development.

• Demonstrate strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Knowledgeable in formulation and ingredient functionality.

• Demonstrated success in resolving complex technical issues in an Operations environment.

• Excellent cross functional communication skills across all levels of the organization, both verbally and in writing.

• Demonstrated knowledge in food chemistry and food processing. Scientific leadership skills.

• Ability to travel up to 25 percent.

• Ability to stand 10-plus hours during pilot plant/plant testing days and ability to lift 50 pounds.


Post is a preferred employer in the Battle Creek area and offers a competitive compensation package. A relocation package is available for the right candidate.

Post Foods is committed to fostering and maintaining a diverse workplace that re?ects the communities in which we live and work. Post Cereal ?rmly believes that diversity makes us a better organization, gives us a broader perspective, leads to a higher quality of work and enriches the work atmosphere. It is Post’s goal to support and promote diversity so that all employees feel welcome, included, valued, supported and able to succeed.

Company Description
Post has enriched the lives of consumers, bringing quality foods to the breakfast table since the company’s founding in 1895. 

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