SR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST-DAIRY

Provide DAIRY SCIENCE technical and scientific leadership for product development and quality support functions to assure safety and quality of Kroger Corporate Brand products for Kroger Dairy Business Unit. Monitor the quality of Corporate Brand products and ensure Kroger Dairy manufacturing plants and outside suppliers develop and commercialize products according to the company's food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.MinimumBachelor's degree in food science technology, dairy or bakery science, food microbiology or a bachelor’s degree with adequate industry experience5+ years of experience in DAIRY product developmentStrong critical thinking skillsStrong attention to detail, with a high degree of accuracy and precisionStrong oral and written communication skillsProven excellence in problem solving and cross-functional project planning/executionAbility to support successful new or innovative product launches in a rapidly changing environmentStrong knowledge of key regulations associated with product development and quality assuranceDesired6+ years of experience in quality assurance or product developmentPlant experience in quality assurance, technical service and/or productionAdvanced knowledge in a specialized area such as food microbiology, refrigerated foods, USDA regulations, specialty ingredients, or supplement regulationsLead technical aspects of DAIRY product development, product approval, and quality improvement processesPartner to select raw material, finished product, and packaging suppliers that best achieve quality and cost requirements for Dairy New Product DevelopmentKnowledge of standard Dairy Processing for key Dairy Categories: fluid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheese, etc.Knowledge of standard Dairy Processing unit operation(s) for pasteurization, homogenization, aseptic, hot fill, ESL, etc.Work with Corporate Brands to approve procured products and the plants that make Kroger labeled products (KLP)Maintain proficiency in all aspects of food labeling to ensure all packaging meets legal requirementsMonitor quality of procured products, address quality issues and work with recall coordinator to initiate product recalls if necessaryWork with the Corporate Food Technology (CFT) sensory group to organize panelsLead technicians in properly planning and executing cuttings, audits, and lab development trial workPrepare and maintain all necessary materials, formulas, and product specification documentsAnalyze customer comments and resolve issues with manufacturing plants and outside suppliersLead the response to customer comment trends and prioritize product quality opportunitiesPartner with Corporate Brands and Retail teams to lead product quality issues to resolutionPartner with vendors and Corporate Brands to monitor changes in targetsTravel to plants, vendors, and industry locations for execution of essential job dutiesFollow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirementsSupport the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF 2000 SystemsSupervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reportsAccountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality PrinciplesMust be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodationFull timePosting Date: 2026-10-02