Sr Food Scientist

In every role McCainers are ambitious curious and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role.

The Senior Food Scientist reports to the R&D Global Snacking Innovation Director and plays a critical role in shaping the future of McCains Global Snacking business through Front End Innovation. As a subject matter expert in food science and product development this role leads the creation development and commercialization of innovative snacking products that deliver exceptional consumer experiences and strengthen McCains competitive advantage.

Working across a global network of stakeholders the Senior Food Scientist translates consumer and operator insights into innovative product solutions leveraging scientific expertise design-thinking methodologies and advanced food ingredient knowledge. This role serves as a technical leader throughout the stage-gate process driving strategic innovation initiatives from concept through scale-up and commercialization.

What youll be doing.

• Lead the development of product development capabilities within the Global Snacking R&D Innovation team ensuring best-in-class practices are applied throughout product design and scale-up.
• Translate consumer and operator insights into innovative product concepts prototypes and commercialization-ready solutions.
• Provide scientific expertise on ingredients processing technologies manufacturing capabilities and product functionality to support innovation initiatives.
• Lead new product development (NPD) projects through commercialization ensuring products deliver exceptional taste quality and competitive advantages.
• Serve as the Technical Project Leader for assigned initiatives by developing project plans identifying risks implementing mitigation strategies and driving cross-functional alignment.
• Collaborate closely with Marketing Manufacturing Procurement Innovation Applied Research Value Engineering Technical Services Sensory and Nutrition teams throughout the product development process.
• Develop and implement ingredient and technology-based solutions to improve existing product offerings support cost optimization and strengthen McCains market position.
• Build and manage partnerships with ingredient suppliers academic institutions research organizations and open innovation providers to advance innovation capabilities.
• Establish and oversee product testing protocols research methodologies and best practices that support informed development decisions and robust product specifications.
• Deliver technical expertise training and best practices to internal teams while contributing to intellectual property development and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

What youll need to be successful.

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Food Science Food Engineering Food Chemistry Design or a related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading innovation-focused product development programs preferably within the food design or food innovation landscape.
• Experience working within a global organization and collaborating across multiple regions and cultures.
• Experience partnering with researchers product developers ingredient suppliers open innovation providers agencies marketing teams and manufacturing/quality functions.
• Strong expertise in food science product development food engineering ingredient functionality and food design principles.
• Knowledge of Food Science Food Chemistry and Food Rheology is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of delivering successful product innovations through scientific leadership and consumer-centered development.
• Strong analytical problem-solving and strategic decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments and drive innovation from ideation through commercialization.
• Demonstrated success influencing and managing stakeholders across complex matrix organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience managing external partnerships with suppliers academic institutions consultants and innovation organizations.
• Proven leadership capabilities with a passion for fostering collaboration inclusion and innovation.

About the team.

This role is part of McCains Global Research & Development organization and sits within the Global Snacking Product Development team. The team is focused on enabling transformational innovation across McCains global appetizer and snacking portfolio. Working closely with cross-functional partners and global stakeholders the team leverages consumer insights scientific expertise and emerging technologies to create winning product experiences and drive business growth.

About McCain.

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles.

At McCain our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers collaborate as a team and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs driving innovation empowering people and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

AI & Digital Capabilities.

At McCain AI and digital capabilities are part of how we work and innovate. We value curiosity toward emerging technologies and the thoughtful responsible use of AI-enabled tools to improve outcomes as part of our future-ready culture.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here youll find opportunities to learn grow and thrive. Join us and experience why were better together.

Our purpose is grounded in building meaningful relationships. Were big believers in the power of working together in personit helps us stay connected collaborate more effectively and grow as a team. At the same time we recognize the importance of flexibility. Most office-based roles follow a hybrid model with the option to work remotely two days a week. There may be exceptions depending on the role and location so we encourage you to speak with your recruiter for more details.