Food Scientist & Regulatory Lead

La Terra Fina is looking for a seasoned product developer with very strong regulatory

experience (FDA, USDA). You will be responsible for all activities related to product development,

project timelines, formulation, regulatory, commercialization, and continuous improvement

(product quality or process optimization) for in-house or co-packed items.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides regulatory expertise
• Provide regulatory support across the LTF enterprise including development of technical data for labels (i.e. Nutrition Facts Panel, Ingredient Declaration, Standards of Identity)
• Nutrient Content Claims, PDCAAS, and Structure/Function Claims), for other packaging(cases, displays, pallets), for export to Canada and Mexico, and for entering/maintaining
• Regulatory information in LTF and customer data bases.
• Help develop and maintain regulatory technical systems (i.e. Oracle, PLM, TG) to support LTF Regulatory activities, which includes helping develop Regulatory policies and procedures to be in compliance with evolving state and federal regulations (i.e. National
• Bioengineered Food Disclosure, Nutritional Label Reform (NLR), emerging novel claims, packaging legislation).
• Coordinate and execute timely Regulatory approvals for labels and promotional materials with Marketing, Product Development, Legal and Creative Services.
• Provide Regulatory response to inquiries by customers relating to labeling and/or allowed use of ingredients in LTF products.
• Development and approval of labels for export.
• Provide regulatory guidance and approval in managing label changes relative to formula updates under training/guidance from supervisor to maximize regulatory compliance, while also minimizing labeling scrap and production complexity.
• Delivers new or renovated products OTIF
• Formulates new products, line extensions and renovations according to
• Customer/Product Brief requirements
• Manages prioritization of projects and communicates status updates
• Plans, leads preparation, and executes plant trials collaborating with all x-functional groups
• Prepares and performs product cuttings/sensory tests
• Maintains concise recipe record of project work and outcomes
• Interprets consumer research to support formulation efforts
• Maintains clear project communication and timelines
• Communicates cross-functionally required information for successful product launch
• Sources raw materials and ingredients as required to support formulation activities
• Researches and procures raw materials for new product development efforts
• Achieves cost reduction by finding new sources for key raw materials
• Partners with purchasing team to source ingredients that drive process improvement
• Leverages knowledge of supplier and vendor base to identify new sources
• Evaluates the specification sheets from supplier to determine viability of raw materials 4 - Performs other duties as assigned Schedules meetings, coordinates calendars, tracks budget expenditures, generates and distributes reports while providing administrative support
• Assists the R&D department in continuous improvement efforts and follow up on corrective action implementation
• Assist in sample shipping
• Keeps R&D Director informed about problems and opportunities for improvement Provides weekly reports of project status

Background Requirements

• BS in Food Science, Nutrition, Culinology or related discipline is required.
• 5+ years of food labeling experience or other related fields such as regulatory compliance, or product development. At least a minimum of 2 years of recent US (FDA and/or USDA)
• Food regulatory labeling experience. Labeling experience in processed foods sold to consumers at retail preferred.
• Well versed in FDA and USDA labeling regulations.
• Possesses good project management skills
• Must have a solid understanding of food manufacturing, product development, food safety principles, guidelines and objectives.
• Able to quickly learn and deftly use technical formulation, data base, and routing systems (Oracle, PLM, TG).
• Intermediate user of Genesis software and PLM for nutritional calculations, ingredient declarations, claim management, etc.
• Solid understanding of international (Mexican, Canadian) labeling laws, label layout requirements, and international regulatory experts for consultation is helpful.
• Able to execute complex calculations by interpreting multiple regulations, and or federal guidance documents, for substantiating dip/bake/salad/snack serving equivalencies and product claims
• Must have practical understanding and the ability to apply key food science concepts such as, functions of microbiology inhibitors and inherent ingredient functions.
• Must have the practical understanding and the ability to apply basic culinary techniques, baking, reading and following recipes, stove top cooking and cold salad/dip preparation.
• Must have the ability to work autonomously and to hold others accountable, as required.
• Must have strong analytical skills.
• Must be able to interpret and provide recommendations or feedback on products and revisions.
• Must have good communications skills, with the ability to be effective in both verbal and written communication.
• Must have great attention to detail, be able to work effortlessly in a team environment and apply good judgment.
• Must be completely familiar with GMPs, hazards, safety principles and constraints.
• Strong computer skills are required, including the Microsoft office platform, ERP systems.
• Spanish language fluency is desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently requires standing, lifting, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, smelling, listening, speaking, and seeing to perform the essential job duties.
• Work conditions vary, working time will vary based upon work / project needs, and flexibility is critical. Temperatures range from 5 to 90 F degrees in processing departments.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous machinery and equipment are present in the plant. Potential electrical, mechanical, and chemical, hazards are also present. The noise level is high and constant.
• Floors are damp and slick.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, pull and lift up to 50 lbs. to stand for long periods of time
• Close visual acuity to view a computer terminal, analyze reports, manage data and detail
• Taste a wide variety of foods
• This description is not intended to be a complete list of duties or tasks, but instead is to provide a guideline of fundamental responsibilities, tasks and duties. La Terra Fina reserves the right to make edits and changes to this role description as business needs require and new tasks and duties may be periodically added or revised.
• This a hybrid job-3-4 days in our Union City office

Salary Description

$104,000.00 to $126,000.00