Principal Scientist, Grain and Dough
Ann Arbor, MI US | Fully Remote TELECOMMUTE US
Job Description
Principal Scientist, Grain and Dough
Would you like to work for one of the most recognized CPG companies in the industry, which can offer a competitive salary, great benefits as well as a long term incentive plan? We are looking for a Subject Matter Expert in grains and doughs that will act as the technical expert and mediator between cross functional teams within the plant. This is a high profile position that will have influence on strategy and objectives.
The Principal Scientist is a key technical leadership position in RDEQ. There are common expectations of the role regardless of focus area that require a blend of strong technical skills, interpersonal savvy, and business knowledge. An RDEQ Principal Scientist/Technical Service is a recognized expert in their field of expertise (Bakery, Grain and Dough, Processing). They are leaders of technical teams and provide in-depth technical leadership on projects and programs of large-scale importance to the company.
Responsibilities
- Leadership and Direction; builds technical strategy in conjunction with business; links the technical work of others to company goals. Work closely with operations to support plant initiative related to continuous improvement.
- Technical Excellence: Identify and develops new food and manufacturing technologies that will advance new and existing products; Help define and maintain a 3+ yr technology pipeline in focus area that feeds into the product maintenance and product development pipeline. Applies scientific and engineering principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, and processing. Organizes, executes and interprets advanced technical research projects in product or process development through the application of advanced principles and practices in scientific specialty. Writes reports and regular updates to provide concise summaries of project work. Makes presentations of results and recommendations to various groups
- Influence Influences the creation and direction of projects and programs in area of technical responsibility to impact business results; Influences and justifies capital projects of importance for the company; Influences the business through technical strategies to drive long term growth; uses strong communication and presentation skills to influence creation of projects. Supports Operations with identification, qualification, and execution of alternative new technology of equipment and materials while maintaining or exceeding finished product quality and meeting cost targets
- Strategic Leadership working with RDEQ Dir/VPs, influences the creation of strategy and best allocation of resources to take advantage of emerging opportunities for the benefit of the current and future business; Builds technical strategies to utilize RDEQ for the benefit of the business; Translates business metrics and competitive signals into strategic programs
- Building Organization Capability Ensures technical development of all employees in area of work scope. Provides actionable feedback to other managers about observed behavior of co-workers to aid in coaching for improved performance; Seeks out feedback for self-awareness and improvement. Accurately assesses own development needs and builds plan to meet needs. Identifies areas where new RDEQ processes are needed; Secures resources to initiate and implement new processes, procedures, methodologies, and tools for RDEQ
**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Mary Harris-Rigas at maryr@cps4jobs.com.
JO: 251B.23MH
#LI-MH1
Job Requirements
Qualifications
- BS in Food Science or Chemical Engineering with Bakery (Grain and Dough) focus plus 12+ years’ experience in related consumer goods company. MS or PhD a plus.
- Minimum 12 years of experience working in Bakery, Grain and Dough applications.
- Demonstrated record of successfully delivering results against goals within the scope of the bakery industry.
- Strong experimental design and formulation experience
- Basic business acumen and knowledge of COGS
- Basic knowledge of labeling regulations including nutrition panel creation
- Ability to effectively manage a high volume project load
Keys to the Hire:
- Bakery Industry (labs not applicable)
- Intense plants experience / technical support / trouble shooting/ training
- >12 years working at bakeries / hands on dough
Role expectations
- 8 internal plants + 4 current CM + 3 new
- 3 to 4 visits per location. 45-60 trips/y
- Limited presence to IC due to role & responsibilities
Role focus
- Cost Out @ plants
- Problem solving @ plants
- Commercialization support @ plants
- New Technology evaluation (suppliers and shows)
Competencies:
- Proven technical excellence in area of expertise
- Clear record of external engagement to ensure understanding of industry trends and new technologies
- Strong project management and change management skills.
- Skilled in complex problem-solving methodologies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong leadership and planning skills; ability to lead through a crisis.
- Ability to travel (approximately 50-60%).
**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Mary Harris-Rigas at maryr@cps4jobs.com.
JO: 251B.23MH
#LI-MH1
Meet Your Recruiter

Mary Harris
Section Manager/ Sr. Technical Recruiter
I specialize in connecting talent within the Food and Beverage Industry and proud to be part of CPS, Inc., which is on Forbes Top 20 Recruiting Firms list for 2017.
Being a manager and senior recruiter in the Food & Beverage group, our specialties include product development, quality, nutrition, regulatory, sensory, flavor development and application from entry level to executive.
I am part of a team of seven which provides more positions for candidates to consider and more candidates for client companies to consider. We pride ourselves in building long lasting relationships and assisting both candidates and client companies in achieving their goals.