Food Scientist

**Company Overview**:
Coco Bakery is a leading commercial bakery dedicated to producing high-quality, and delicious macarons, cake pops and other premium sweet baked goods for a wide range of customers. With a commitment to excellence, food safety, and innovation, we pride ourselves on our production capabilities and a passionate team.

We are looking for a talented and driven Food Scientist to join our Product Development team and help us continue to innovate and expand our product offerings.

**Job Summary**:
**Key Responsibilities**:

- Product Development:

- Lead or assist in the development of new bakery products from concept to commercialization.
- Formulate and reformulate products to improve sensory attributes (taste, texture, aroma, appearance), nutritional profiles, shelf-life, and cost-efficiency.
- Conduct benchtop, pilot, and plant trials, meticulously documenting all experimental procedures, observations, and results.
- Source and evaluate new ingredients, ensuring their quality, functionality, and compliance with food safety standards.
- Process Optimization:

- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance product quality, consistency, and production efficiency.
- Troubleshoot production issues related to ingredients, formulations, or processes.
- Collaborate with production and engineering teams to scale up new products and processes.
- Quality Assurance & Food Safety:

- Ensure all products comply with internal quality standards, industry regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, CFIA), and customer specifications.
- Conduct shelf-life studies and stability testing.
- Assist in developing and maintaining HACCP plans, GMPs, and other food safety programs.
- Perform sensory evaluations and interpret analytical data to ensure product integrity.
- Research & Innovation:

- Stay abreast of industry trends, new ingredients, technologies, and consumer preferences in the bakery sector.
- Propose innovative ideas for new products or improvements to existing ones.
- Documentation & Collaboration:

- Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research, development, and testing activities.
- Prepare technical reports, specifications, and presentations.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality Assurance, Sales and Procurement.

**Qualifications**:

- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a closely related field.
- Experience:

- 2-5 years of experience in food product development, preferably within a commercial bakery or a company specializing in baked goods.
- Proven experience with ingredient functionality, baking processes, and shelf-life extension.
- Skills:

- Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing principles.
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop bakery formulations with a strong focus on scalability for commercial production
- Comfortable engaging with customers and stakeholders to present and discuss product offerings
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment relevant to food analysis.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

**Preferred Qualifications**:

- Experience with specific bakery categories (e.g., gluten-free, organic, clean label).
- Experience with chocolate and confectionery is an asset
- Knowledge of food labeling regulations and nutritional analysis software.
- Experience with sensory evaluation methodologies.

**Physical Requirements**:

- Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 lbs, and work in a bakery environment which may include varying temperatures and noise levels.
- Ability to taste and evaluate food products.

**Equal Opportunity Employer**:
At Coco Bakery, we believe that diversity of experience, opinion and background is fundamental to our future growth. We believe success happens where new ideas can flourish - in an environment where people from various backgrounds can work productively together. Coco Bakery is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00-$85,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

- Bonus pay

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime

Application question(s):

- Are you familiar with GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards and regu