Joining King's Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you're excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in the identification, design, development, creation, and testing of product prototypes.

• Develop rapid prototypes to explore with consumers in real purchase and consumption environments.
• Create and collaborate with chefs and consultants to refine recipes with the ability to scale up for both limited introductions as well as national product launches.
• Develop specifications for all raw materials, process controls, and finished goods.
• Manage scale up trials of products and work closely with Production leaders to train on process.
• Work closely with King's ingredient and packaging suppliers on the technical characteristics of King's materials and troubleshoot ingredient performance.
• Test and ensure food concepts are shelf stable and food safe. Work with 3rd party labs to test and analyze products.
• Develop and maintain FDA and USDA food product labeling that complies with regulatory requirements and/or customer requirements. Produce product specification sheets.
• Manage numerous projects simultaneously.
• Creatively solve technical problems in a rapid, efficient manner.
• Assist in pipeline prioritization and technical assessment of future innovation projects & ideas.
• Collaborate with Concept Developer Chefs, Marketing Innovation Insights, R&D Process Engineers, Operations, Procurement, and Packaging Engineers in the Innovation product development process.
• Deliver accurate product trial details to, and collaborate with, the Innovation Project Lead to guarantee accurate and on-time set up of factory trials.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of product development activities to key stakeholders.
• Collaborate and team up with third party manufacturing facilities to scale up and test products for commercialization.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of this role.

BASIC QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or Culinary Arts from an accredited 4-year college or equivalent relevant experience required. Master's of Science degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or Culinary Arts preferred.
• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in R&D, Food Science, or New product development required.

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand 2-3 hours.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION (JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE)

• Proficient ability to work with culinary or corporate chefs.
• Working understanding of different methods of packaging (retort, aseptic, UHT, Hot/Cold Pasteurization, MAP).
• Working understanding of product development.
• Proficient understanding of physical properties and chemical composition of food and ingredients.
• Proficient understanding of extensive areas of food science and technology and experimental procedures.
• Working understanding of Project management - plan, coordinate, communicate progress and challenges, execute project activities.
• Proficient ability to work with third party manufacturers (co-manufacturers, co-packers) in developing products.
• Expert ability to muti-task and contribute to many projects at the same time.
• Ability to seek and be open to new experiences with different food from other cultures and enjoy foods in a different way. Does not settle with mediocre products.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate King's values of excellence, dignity, saying it like it is in a way it can be heard; and curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.