R&D Scientist

About Tropicana Brands Group  

Tropicana Brands Group represents an exciting fusion of some of the world's most beloved and up-and-coming brands in the juice category, including Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Dole, Copella and Punica. Tropicana Brands Group was established in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo.  Our new company blends the best of two worlds: one steeped in industry-leading expertise and the heritage of prestige juice brands, and another rooted in a true entrepreneurial, agile mindset.

With a global footprint of more than 2,000 associates that spans North America and Europe, we are proud of our industry-leading capabilities in areas that include innovation, R&D, manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing and nutrition expertise.

The company is focused on the vision to quench the world's thirst for more delight and nourishment, while continuing to build upon the many important diversity, sustainability, local community and philanthropic activities that our people and brands have historically supported.  

Job Description:

Tropicana Brands Group R&D is looking for a highly qualified Scientist to join the product development team for working on our Tropicana and Dole brands.  Product Development Scientists use technical knowledge to generate new ideas, develop and optimize prototypes, validate prototypes with consumers, and commercialize consumer-preferred products.  The ideal candidate will be a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

At TBG R&D, we foster a safe space for entrepreneurial ideation, while also practicing radical candor and showing respect for what each R&D function brings to our organization.  As a part of the nimble R&D team, you will be given opportunities to stretch, lead, and learn that many other larger organizations do not offer.

As part of an entrepreneurial culture, the ideal candidate will possess an ownership mindset and a focus on the consumer.  Comfort with ambiguity, a focus on agility, and appropriate risk-taking is a must.  Strong R&D and cross-functional collaboration and communication skills required.  Successful candidates thrive in an environment of fast-paced, consumer-driven product development.  If you are looking to act like an entrepreneur in a multibillion-dollar company with well-established and loved brands, TBG is the ideal place for you.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead and execute innovation, quality/product improvement, and productivity initiatives
• Develop product formulations that leverage expertise in food or beverage chemistry and ingredient functionality
• Utilize scientific methods to develop knowledge that creates business opportunities that support the company strategic objectives
• Design and execute experiments, and analyze and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations on product and process issues
• Provide technical risk assessment and perspectives related to new product development
• Leverage external and internal experts for key analytical, sensory and consumer research
• Perform economic evaluations on ingredients, ingredients suppliers, and product formulations to drive profitability
• Partner externally to source ingredients and leverage vendor expertise in ingredient functionality
• Participate as an active member of cross-functional project teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering and other groups
• Apply solid project management skills to ensure clear communication of project scope, timing, and success criteria.
• Develop and maintain complete product attribute specifications for ingredients and finished products
• Outstanding teamwork and communication skills required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required preferably in Food Science & Technology or related scientific field; advanced degree a plus
• Must be located in Chicago, IL or willing to relocate to Chicago, IL for the duration of employment
• Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations as required
• Legally authorized to work in the country to which you are applying without requiring sponsorship or additional work permits now or in the future
• 3 years of experience in product development, beverage experience a plus
• Ability to translate business objectives into project goals and objectives
• Basic knowledge of product development protocols, including formulation and stability testing
• Ability to work in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments
• Ability to work with lab and analytical equipment (pH meter, Brix meter, centrifuge, analytical balance, etc.)
• Able to forge good working relationships with cross functional business partners (Marketing, Supply Chain, Insights, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous assignments and manage risk in a fast-paced environment
• Highly organized with great attention to detail and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unexpected requests.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Must be open to 15-25% domestic travel