R&D Lead Scientist

Just Born, Inc. is a family-owned candy manufacturer that has been creating joyful moments for generations. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we are proud to produce iconic brands like PEEPS, MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS.

Our purpose is simple: to create joyful moments and build stronger communities. Guided by our highest ideals-to take care of each other, do the right thing, and give forward-we remain committed to our people, our consumers, our community, and the planet.

Position Summary: Responsible for effectively developing and commercializing multiple medium to large scale projects with speed and excellence. Provides strong technical leadership through collaborative relationships with cross-functional team members to identify innovative brand building initiatives and cost reduction opportunities. Leads development and optimization efforts for confectionery product formulations from ideation through commercialization and start up. Demonstrates keen project management skills including planning, coordinating and communicating through all levels of the organization. Leverages cooperative relationships with multiple suppliers to develop inventive, next generation confectionery products that support technology platforms. Actively researches consumer and/or competitive trends to provide novel ideas for new product development or improvements to existing products.

Location: Bethlehem, PA; onsite 5 days a week

How You'll Impact Results:

• Functions as key technical leader for research and development of new product initiatives from ideation through commercialization and start up. Creates strong networks and alliances with internal customers to design, develop and deliver inventive, consumer preferred products that support brand and company's strategic objectives.
• Fosters close functional relationships with internal stakeholders including Marketing, Quality Assurance, Packaging Development and Innovation, Engineering, Maintenance, Procurement, and Manufacturing. Leads cross functional efforts and project timelines for problem solving, cost savings, and quality improvement.
• Actively participates in defining consumer testing and sensory guidance needs for applicable new product opportunities. Reviews proposals and provides insight and recommendations.
• Develops plans and manages all plant trial, commercialization, and start up activities. Demonstrates independent thinking and creative flair to solve problems that arise during trials and scale up. Utilizes excellent written and verbal communication and can provide decisive decision making during the life course of a project.
• Provides technical leadership and insight throughout product lifecycle to ensure effective technology transfer. Develops and deploys documentation to support successful production and commercialization of new product endeavors. Actively identifies opportunities to solve product quality problems, to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Actively engages Procurement, Finance, and Manufacturing to develop robust, well defined product cost models during product development lifecycle. Leverages business knowledge to identify and initiate margin enhancement opportunities as they relate to product, package, process and/or efficiency.
• Develops thorough stability protocols and oversees testing. Applies advanced interpretation of results and data. Issues reports and recommendations.
• Leads Research and Development and/or manufacturing resources to prepare sales samples. Clearly communicates information pertaining to objectives, formulation, ingredients, process techniques, timing, and packaging.
• Leverages cooperative relationships with consultants, ingredients and equipment vendors to foster new ideas and develop next generation confectionery products and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Actively researches consumer and/or competitive trends to provide value added product opportunities for brand growth and sustainability.
• Promote the Vision, Mission, Pledge, and RESPECT philosophy of Just Born. Seek opportunities for self-development and enhancement of skills by attending training and development sessions. Support Just Born activities both internally and within the community in a manner that is consistent with Just Born's corporate values and culture.