Food Scientist - Quality Assurance

LOCATION: Remote US (Midwest near a major airport preferred)

REPORTS TO: QA Manager
DEPARTMENT: Operations
TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 50%

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a Food Scientist - Quality Assurance to join our growing Food Safety and Quality Team under our Product Excellence Pillar. This role will work collaboratively with our co-manufacturing partners, Operations Team, Product Development, and FSQA Leadership to drive product and process improvement, standardization, and support our journey toward zero defects.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a thorough comprehension of cottage cheese production and quality to help troubleshoot product issues at co-mans.
• Provide ongoing training to deliver “Gold Standard” Good Culture products at all co-mans.
• Coordinate and execute tasks and projects with our co-manufacturing partners related to quality improvement and food safety.
• Collaborate with co-mans to investigate quality-related customer/consumer complaints, adverse sensory trends, and non-conformance issues. This will require travel to co-man facilities to observe production procedures.
• Compile and analyze data and reports (quality, production, process) to identify areas for improvement in both internal and co-man quality systems.
• Utilize quality trending and a strong knowledge of cottage cheese manufacturing to assist internal and external co-man teams in troubleshooting production and performance issues.
• Partner closely with co-man resources to optimize current practices and reduce non-conformance incidents.
• Support technical service and commercialization activities at co-manufacturing facilities in partnership with the Good Culture Operations and Product Development teams.
• Help lead Good Culture's internal sensory programs.
• Help implement our mission and ensure your work has a positive impact on our environmental and social responsibilities.
• Leverage opportunities to highlight Good Culture’s mission and impact to inspire others to join us in doing good.
• Have fun and make a difference. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. in Food Science or related field.
• 4+ years of R&D, Tech Services, and/or FSQA experience in a food manufacturing environment required.
• Experience with cottage cheese or other dairy product manufacturing required (PMO Grade A and cultured dairy production knowledge is a plus).
• Certifications preferred but not required, including HACCP, Process Control, Continuous Improvement/Six Sigma, etc. (must be willing to become certified).
• Experience with root cause investigations and developing and implementing preventive and corrective actions.
• Experience with dairy sensory and/or dairy analytics labs is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to influence at all levels of internal and external organizations.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously, while also knowing when to reach out for support.
• Ability to build relationships with co-man teams and other internal functions.
• Ability to experiment, assess risk, and make data-based recommendations and decisions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; statistical knowledge and its application are a bonus.

This is a remote role based near a major airport, with preference given to candidates located in the Upper Midwest (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Upstate New York). The position will require approximately 50% travel, primarily within the Midwest, to educate our co-manufacturers on our Gold Standard and troubleshoot adverse quality trends at co-manufacturing sites.

ABOUT GOOD CULTURE:

We believe that if you eat good things, and surround yourself with good, you’ll feel good. Simple as that. That’s why we decided to create a food company that offers real organic ingredients from trusted sources, promotes good health and tastes great. Our mission is to reinvent the food system, from the (actual) ground up. We are a cultured dairy company that currently makes the best cottage cheese, probiotic rich sour cream, and cream cheese.  We’re on the lookout for some cultured healers!

Good Culture is an equal opportunity employer. At Good Culture we also believe a great culture fosters and values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We seek individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Good Culture is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.