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R&D Food Scientist

Butterball, LLC, one of America’s most iconic brands, helps consumers celebrate Thanksgiving and every day in between. Located in the thriving Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, our goal is to provide a diverse array of career opportunities and paths which include our farms, processing facilities and support offices. We are the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S., and we make a lot more than Thanksgiving turkeys. Our company’s measurable growth is in no small part due to our team members in North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri, who each have a seat at the table to contribute to our success

Job Summary:  

 

Guides product development and process improvement efforts in Renovation R&D by organizing, managing, and coordinating key projects from conception to commercialization. Provides technical support to the operations, sales, and marketing teams.

 

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:  

 
  • Organizes and coordinates the R&D activities of assigned projects to ensure work is properly prioritized and completed in timely manner to deliver results.
  • Executes new products from conception to commercialization by working with sales, marketing, operation, purchasing, and quality assurance.
  • Maintains external and marketplace awareness related to new concepts, products, ingredients, and technologies.
  • Engages team members to communicate and guides technical support for development of new products and technologies.
  • Identifies and recommends new raw materials, ingredients, materials, and processes that improve products and reduce cost.
  • Identifies, tests, and implements new processes and product formulas that lead to new products, cost savings, and quality improvements.
  • Applies scientific principles to project designs, data analysis, and summarization.
  • Provides technical support to operations to ensure product excellence and cost efficiency.
  • Provides technical support to the Marketing and Sales teams to service existing customers and help gain new ones.
  • Supports continuous improvement opportunities and solutions directed at improving profitability, product quality, food safety, and capital avoidance.
  • Seeks to enhance technical skills through project experience, seminars, professional conference, and training programs.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong oral and written communication, analytical, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in food technology, ingredient technology and food processing.
  • Experience with new product launches.
  • Firm problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to use new technology to significantly improve profitability, product quality, food safety and manufacturing complexity issues.
  • Solid project management skills with the ability to impact results.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Projects, etc.), Smartsheet, and/or related project management tools.

 

Education & Experience:

  • B.S. degree in Food Science, Poultry Science, Biochemistry, or related field required.
  • 3+ years of Plant level Operational experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) [ex. quality, production, inventory management, etc.] is highly desired.
  • Industry experience managing research and development projects is required; poultry science/poultry processing experience preferred.

 

 

Working Conditions:  

  • Office and Plant work environments. Possibility of being exposed to varying conditions in the Plant setting, such as cold areas, warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions.
  • Physical requirements of the position include sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods of time.
  • Readiness and flexibility to occasionally work hours outside of normal day shift hours.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
    • Travel needs may include at least 2 days per week to other facility locations, potentially more pending project needs.
    • Travel to plant facilities as needed for conduction pilot plant testing, commercialization scale up support, and capturing data.

 

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

 

We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. 

We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.

Average salary estimate

$70000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$60000K
$80000K

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What You Should Know About R&D Food Scientist, Butterball

Join Butterball, LLC as an R&D Food Scientist and be part of one of America’s most iconic brands celebrated for making every meal special, especially Thanksgiving! Located in the thriving area of Mount Olive, NC, our focus extends far beyond just turkey; we innovate in food science to create a variety of delicious products year-round. As an R&D Food Scientist, you’ll guide product development while overseeing key projects from the initial concept to full commercialization. Your expertise will be pivotal in fostering collaboration between the sales, marketing, and operations teams, ensuring everyone is aligned throughout the process. You’ll keep your finger on the pulse of new technologies and market trends, helping us to introduce new raw materials and processes that not only improve product quality but also enhance cost efficiency. With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, you'll identify opportunities that maintain Butterball’s reputation for excellence. This multitude of responsibilities will let your creativity shine, as you seek new flavors and innovations that appeal to consumers. Your work will be rooted in scientific principles, utilizing your strong analytical skills to design experiments and assess outcomes. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Food Science and experience in managing research projects. Get ready to immerse yourself in a dynamic environment that values teamwork and personal growth while enjoying a rewarding career with Butterball.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for R&D Food Scientist Role at Butterball
What are the primary responsibilities of an R&D Food Scientist at Butterball?

As an R&D Food Scientist at Butterball, you'll be responsible for guiding product development and process improvements, which includes coordinating R&D activities to ensure projects are completed on time. You'll engage in collaborative efforts with teams from sales, marketing, and operations to execute new products from conception to commercialization. Additionally, you’ll maintain awareness of market trends and emerging technologies to enhance product offerings.

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What qualifications are required to become an R&D Food Scientist at Butterball?

To qualify for the R&D Food Scientist position at Butterball, you should have at least a B.S. degree in Food Science, Poultry Science, Biochemistry, or a related field. Previous experience managing research and development projects is essential, particularly in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. A background in poultry science or processing will give you an added advantage in this role.

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How does the R&D Food Scientist role at Butterball contribute to product innovation?

The R&D Food Scientist plays a crucial role in product innovation at Butterball by identifying and testing new ingredients and processes. Their insights guide the creation of new products that align with consumer preferences and market demands, ensuring that Butterball stays at the forefront of the food industry. Their expertise directly impacts product quality and cost efficiencies.

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What is the work environment like for an R&D Food Scientist at Butterball?

R&D Food Scientists at Butterball can expect a mixed work environment that includes both office and plant settings. This diversity allows for hands-on involvement in product development while maintaining collaboration with various teams. The job may involve working in different conditions, including cold or warm areas within the plant and necessitate occasional travel to other facilities for pilot testing.

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What skills are most beneficial for success as an R&D Food Scientist at Butterball?

Successful R&D Food Scientists at Butterball possess strong communication and analytical skills paired with a solid understanding of food technology and processing. Additionally, problem-solving abilities and creative thinking are vital for innovation. Proficiency in project management tools, like Microsoft Suite and Smartsheet, is also beneficial to effectively manage projects and timelines.

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Common Interview Questions for R&D Food Scientist
What inspired you to pursue a career as an R&D Food Scientist?

When answering this question, it's important to connect your passion for food science with your desire to innovate in the food industry. You might mention your interests in product development or how you enjoy combining creativity with scientific analysis to create new food products.

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Can you describe a successful product development project you managed?

Provide a structured overview of the project, emphasizing your role, the challenges you faced, and how you contributed to its success. Highlight your project management skills and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver results.

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How do you stay updated on food industry trends and technologies?

Discuss your methods for staying informed, such as reading industry journals, attending conferences, or participating in related training. Express how this knowledge influences your project work and contributes to innovation.

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What role do teamwork and collaboration play in R&D at Butterball?

Emphasize the importance of cross-department collaboration in the product development process. Mention examples of how effective communication and teamwork can lead to successful outcomes and how you foster a team environment.

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Describe a time you had to solve a complex problem in a project.

Provide a specific example that outlines the problem, your analytical approach to solving it, and the positive impact of your solution. This showcases your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

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How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced R&D environment?

Explain your time-management strategies, such as setting deadlines, using project management tools, or prioritizing based on project impact. You could share a specific example of effective prioritization in a past role.

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What techniques do you use to test new product ideas?

Discuss your approach to testing new product concepts, including conducting market research, consumer testing, and data analysis. Highlight your focus on generating actionable insights from these tests.

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What is your experience with cost reduction in product development?

Share examples where you've successfully reduced costs without sacrificing quality. Explain your analytical strategies for identifying cost-saving opportunities and implementing them in project plans.

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How do you ensure safety and quality in food processing?

Emphasize your understanding of food safety regulations and quality assurance processes. Discuss how you integrate safety and quality checks throughout the development and production phases.

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Why do you want to work specifically for Butterball as an R&D Food Scientist?

Connect your values and career aspirations with Butterball’s mission and culture. Express enthusiasm for contributing to an iconic brand's growth and your alignment with their commitment to quality and innovation.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 12, 2025

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