Principal Scientist

Description

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Principal Scientist to drive the development of new products, processes, and ingredient solutions in the dairy and plant-based sectors. This role involves identifying and executing breakthrough technologies, conducting primary research in lab and pilot plant settings, and applying scientific problem-solving to enhance product quality and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth expertise in dairy components, food processing, and regulatory compliance, and will serve as a key scientific advisor across the organization. Strong communication skills and the ability to translate research into actionable business initiatives are essential.

This position may be a Research Fellow based on experience and qualifications.

This position is located at our Corporate Office in Green Bay, WI.

What you’ll do

• Lead the exploration and development of innovative technologies, ingredients, and processes that align with strategic business goals.
• Identify and secure resources—equipment, systems, ingredients, and talent—needed to advance innovation.
• Recognize and develop patentable products and processes through exploratory research.
• Initiate and conduct primary research on dairy & non-dairy ingredients and core products (milk, natural cheese, process cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, & other products). Leverages strong financial aptitude and expertise in dairy & non-dairy food components and commodity markets to identify product or process opportunities leading to optimizing component usage and profitability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop impactful new products and processes, while navigating complex internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly through reports and presentations to influence decision-making. Frequently conduct briefings to senior leaders both within and outside of department.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory standards, and competitor activity; serve as a key scientific and regulatory resource for the company.
• Build and maintain a strong network within academia, government, and industry to support innovation and compliance.
• Successfully negotiate complex and/or difficult situations involving internal and external customers with potentially high business risk or reward.
• Provide guidance, coaching and training to other employees across Schreiber within area of expertise.

What you need to succeed

• MBA or Master’s degree in Food or Dairy Science, PhD is highly preferred
• 10+ years experience in industrial R&D with proven track record of dairy research, with ingredients, cheese products, plant-based products, and cultured products experience.
• Has a broad understanding of dairy food production processes and applies food/dairy chemistry to solve problems.
• Must have a strong analytical background and expertise in dairy components and technology.
• Recognized as an industry subject matter expert in the areas of dairy chemistry and processing, and is sought out by others for mentoring, direction, and counsel.
• Demonstrates strong financial acumen and initiative in exploring, promoting, and implementing new initiatives to improve profitability.
• Must have expertise and demonstrated results in formal/informal project team leadership.
• Has a good understanding of patent law and how to apply it for strategic initiatives and recommendations.
• Enjoys taking on new challenges and opportunities. Highly self-directed person and possesses proper level of judgment to review ideas/plans with leadership. Works very well with others to achieve project goals and significantly higher company profitability. Strong knowledge of formulations management tools.
• Ability to travel up to 15%

Eligible partners will receive

• Get not one, but TWO retirement benefits. When you join our employee-owned company, you’ll be part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) from day one. In addition to an 8% 401(k) match into the ESOP, Schreiber will contribute an extra amount – about 8% of your earnings – toward your retirement every year. That’s a company contribution of around 16% in retirement savings annually. That’s hard to beat!
• Earn bonus pay. You’ll have an opportunity to earn incentive pay twice a year when we meet our company goals.
• Ready to make a move? Receive a $10,000 relocation bonus PLUS a generous relocation package if relocating more than 50 miles for a U.S. Salaried position.
• Childcare costs . Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward childcare expenses, including independent babysitters.
• Earn $ for focusing on your health. Depending on your medical plan enrollment, earn $1,200 in your HSA or as a cash payout for prevention activities. Plus, use your $600 lifestyle spending account for reimbursements related to health, fitness, weight management, mental health and social wellness.
• Pursue development that’s relevant to your role, career goals and the company. Plus, we offer tuition reimbursement if you want to further your education to grow in your role at Schreiber.
• Get access to medical, prescription drug, dental and vision benefits starting day one. This includes an onsite nurse and mental health counselor.
• Experience caring like you’ve never experienced it before. We have a program that’s completely organized by and for other partners who need extra help. It’s called Partners Helping Partners. We have hundreds of examples of partners organizing fundraisers to help out others going through a hard time.