Food Technologist

Location : Surendranagar, Gujarat, India

Position Title: Food Technologist

Role Overview

The Food Technologist on the Enterprise Continuous Improvement team fills a critical role in the successful development and execution of the APAC-EMEA Region’s multi-year continuous improvement plan. Utilizing engineering and food science principles will identify, develop, validate, and implement product and process optimization projects including but not limited to recipe changes, ingredient and supplier changes, process improvements, supply continuity initiatives, and new technology applications. Successful candidate will lead and support projects with a target of delivering up to $1M - $2M + US annual savings, as well as engaging in quality, safety, and capacity initiatives as assigned.

This role serves as a technical expert by developing and maintaining up to date knowledge of products, processes, technologies, and manufacturing operations. This role requires technical understanding of the specifications, functionality, and interactions between commodities, ingredients, and manufacturing processes. Additionally, having proficiency with project and change management and other business systems will enable efficient CI project execution. As a member of the team, the Engineer/Food Technologist will lead cross functional teams on undertaking projects of strategic importance from concept through implementation with responsibility for development, validation, and industrialization for sustainability. Application of Lean/Six Sigma principles are a requirement for manufacturing optimization initiatives. This work is performed in a laboratory and manufacturing environment utilizing equipment and scientific and analytical instrumentation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Possess working technical knowledge of product and process development and optimization, including formula and process development, optimization, manufacturing validation and implementation.
• Demonstrated application of food science and process engineering principles in developing manufacturing solutions with a sound understanding of the interaction between process unit operations and product physical and sensory properties.
• Working Knowledge with manufacturing environments including safety, ingredient management, confectionary manufacturing processes, packaging processes, Quality Assurance, GMP and Lean manufacturing principles with ability to lead structured problem solving and Focus Improvement teams.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, TPM, and six sigma principles. Green/blackbelt certification preferred.
• Experience operating lab and/or pilot scale equipment/instrumentation and working in a manufacturing plant.
• Chocolate and Confectionery Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Advanced problem solving and evaluation capabilities.
• Ability to define, develop, and implement product and process optimization projects using Hershey business processes.
• Fluent speaking and writing English.
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and collaboratively across multiple functions in a flexible work environment with changing priorities.
• Excellent time management and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at different locations. Ability to establish priorities and execute multifunctional strategic project objectives.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient computer literacy, fluent with Microsoft Office Suite and SAP S4.
• Ability to accommodate unusual and extended work hours as required for project completion.
• Good interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with all levels across the organization.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.
  
  

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Food Process, or Agricultural Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology [Preferred Qualifications: Minimum 3 years of experience of applicable work and process experience]
• Prior experience with Food Science and Process Engineering in a manufacturing environment is preferred.