Product Development Lab Specialist

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks. Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best. The PD Lab Specialist will maintain vital functions of the lab such as cleanliness, organization and restocking of materials. They will be responsible for the thorough execution of assigned projects for internal and external customers, by diligently reviewing all supporting information. They will also support developers, other PD lab personnel, and other functional groups within R&D, understanding and fulfilling basic Product Development lab practices, technical responsibilities, and standard operating procedures. Essential Job Functions Maintain a safe, clean and organized lab environment in accordance with GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices). Show initiative in leading and maintaining assigned admin tasks. Create and own the process. Develop familiarity in proper use of lab instrumentation including microthermics, homogenizer, HTP processor and analytical devices. Independently complete sample requests in a timely manner with proper execution from referencing SharePoint specifications to generating the lab formula, beverage creation, bottling, logging, labeling and linking information into lab database and communicating shipping information. Also, be proficient in uploading all supporting documents to the ACE database. Properly test specs and maintain lab inventory of juices, flavors, packaging, carbonated water and materials. Show initiative and ownership in communicating with suppliers and supporting departments for material requests. Develop knowledge in relevant use of ERP software (SAP), product development testing methods and technical competencies according to PD Playbook OneNote SOPs. Support developers and other lab personnel in various development projects and all lab functions. Learn to communicate professionally with and support all customers both internal and external. Understand and support shelf‑life practices including ring study, light stability testing and sensory evaluations. Develop understanding of raw material qualification process. Be able to independently operate SIMS sensory testing software for site taste tests. Start building sensory experience relevant to job advancement. Required Skills Demonstrate a willingness to learn, develop and perfect PD lab methods and practices. This includes maintaining all applicable documentation and records – sample log, specification logs, ACE, shipping documents and other tracking initiatives. Take ownership of projects. Take initiative in asking questions and collecting information to complete tasks. Exercise independence and exhibit critical thinking skills. Have an aptitude for mathematical calculations. Communicate professionally with honest and constructive feedback. Confidently share ideas and solutions. Be consistent in information awareness by thoroughly reading emails and regularly referencing SharePoint and Weekly Action Plan and taking ownership of Planner tasks. Embody the 5 Refresco values by demonstrating responsibility, entrepreneurship, agility, excellence and passion. Foster teamwork, especially through providing assistance to fellow lab personnel. Have the ability to notice, interpret and anticipate others concerns and feelings. Demonstrate focus on desired result of self or team and drive to meet goals. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or related discipline, or have adequate experience in a beverage / food lab preferred. Working Conditions Work environment- Work and environment are very repetitive. Mental Stress- There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy or similar demands. Travel Requirements Based in Columbus, GA development lab with rare travel requirements, to customers, suppliers, or Refresco plants. Other Duties This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Benefits Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance Short-term disability and long-term disability Pet Insurance 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match 12 Paid Holidays Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off Discount and Total Reward Programs Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Refresco Brand