Research and Development Manager

G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc. is a wholesale manufacturer of authentic Italian gelato, sorbet, plant-based frozen desserts, and soft serve with national distribution in the foodservice and retail/grocery industries.

We are looking for a Research and Development Manager to join our team in Fort Walton Beach, FL. This position is the perfect long-term career opportunity for an organized individual working in the food industry who thrives in a fast-paced work environment and has a particular passion for creativity!

BENEFITS*

• 401k eligibility
• Health Insurance
• Supplemental insurance options
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay

*Certain Eligibility requirements are required for the above benefits

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting in generating new product ideas and recipes
• Modifying and improving existing recipes
• Monitoring the use of ingredients, including additives
• Ensure products meet guidelines and regulations, including specific compliance for certifications including OU Kosher, as well as Certified Vegan, USDA Organic, etc. (if required)
• Evaluating nutritional values and sensory attributes (color, flavor, texture)
• Designing processes for the production of recipes on a large scale
• Collaborating with other departments, including QA, sales, marketing, and production
• Ensuring strict hygiene and food safety standards are met
• Identifying and choosing products from suppliers
• Testing and examining samples
• Creating labels with ingredients, nutritional information, UPC barcodes, etc.
• Writing reports, reviewing microbiological results, analyzing data
• Source Raw Materials from prospective suppliers
• Keep an active database of all raw material paperwork once new raw material is approved; update any expired paperwork in the system
• Analyze the new raw materials in finished gelato to ensure that they will work for the customer; work with purchasing to bring in comparable raw materials to set up secondary suppliers
• Use customer feedback to source raw materials, or tweak formulations as needed
• Keep Nutracoster up to date by inputting new raw materials and updating old raw materials as replacements become available
• Create finished product specifications for customers
• Interview prospective new hires that can work in the R&D lab
• Ensure proper sourcing of ingredients for formula-specific formulations (dairy free, vegan, etc)
• Actively & independently pursuing new information in regards to innovation, R&D, trends, regulations, ingredients, flavors, nutrition, etc.
• Coordinate with programs to certify formulations (for example: Non-GMO, Vegan, Organic, etc)
• Ensure that proper documentation is in place for the following finished product labeling (For example; allergens, Kosher, Non-GMO)
• Keep up to date with the FDA, USDA, labeling laws to ensure we are following the proper guidelines
• Also responsible for keeping up with certain portals for customers who request that we input our specs and nutritionals into their systems

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent project and time management skills
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Computer literacy, strong skills using MS Word, Excel
• A level of creativity, and passion for advancement and innovation
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with ability to solve problems
• Must have a relevant degree or experience in food science/technology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, nutrition, microbiology and/or research & development
• Must be willing to relocate if currently outside Fort Walton Beach, FL or surrounding areas

SALARY

Starting at $65,000. Depends on experience.

APPLY NOW!

Please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to the email address provided below.