Associate Food Scientist

Food Product Development ScientistTarget is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America's leading retailers.At the heart of one of the world's best-loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Product Development & Design organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for delighting our guests. We concept, develop, make and deliver the great tasting new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend, design, and quality experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market's needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the design, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, whether on convenient meals, snacking favorites, giftable, or pantry staples. Here, you will be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.A role with Food Product Development means being on a team of food scientists and engineers who create products that truly embody the intent of Target owned brands. Can you ensure that each product has that just-right mix of taste, quality and value? Do you love to create product solutions that help meet strategic business goals? Then you will have success on our talented and innovative team.The exciting part of retail? It is always changing!Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needsKey responsibilities:Support the product development team by understanding the business initiatives, product technical requirements and performance expectations to ensure consistency of productPartner with Insights Teams to understand guest needs and supports product development to meet those guest needsRepresent Product Development as part of a Cross Functional Team (including Merchants, Technical AOEs, and Sourcing) focused on developing owned brand products to appropriate levels of trend, quality and costDiligent approach to workload, maintaining good, timely communication with vendors, team members and CFTsProvide timely sample evaluations and ensure approvals of all products are meeting Target's standardsProvide and maintain effective product technical specificationsUnderstand competitors and benchmarks to be current on trend, quality and cost standardsDevelop a working knowledge of product manufacturing and vendor capabilityInitiate and support Technical Functional Reviews with Food Safety & Quality, Sourcing, Product Development, Structural PackagingSupport the timely resolution of all issues pertaining to the development and manufacturing of productsIs a deployable resource for total team/total business needs; may be called upon to help with fundamental Product Development tasks as part of a supportive culture and/or to gain experience beyond their roleIs a committed team player who can be counted on to do their part and be relied on to work cooperatively with othersAbout you:B.S. in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline1-4 years' relevant experienceFundamental knowledge and understanding of food product development and formulation, basic ingredient functionality and cost, and food manufacturingEffective communication and collaboration skillsEffective problem solving, creative thinking, and strategic thinking skillsEffective project management skillsAbility to successfully work in a team environmentProficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint skillsThis position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target.