Company Description
Founded in 1923, Russell Stover Candies is the largest producer of fine boxed chocolates in the United States.  It began in Denver, Colorado as a candy business in the home of Russell and Clara Stover.  The original candy, marketed as “Mrs. Stover’s Bungalow Candies”, changed 20 years later to Russell Stover Candies.  The three principles of quality, service and value allow Russell Stover to remain “Only the Finest”.

Russell Stover Candles has sales in all 50 states and Canada. We operate 35 company-owned retail shops throughout the United States and at over 70,000 drug stores, card and gift shops, grocery stores, department stores and retails stores. In September 2014, Russell Stover Candies was acquired by Lindt and Sprüngli, a Swiss based international conglomerate sold in more than 80 countries with production sites in Europe and the US, distributing on four continents.

Job Description
The Food Technologist-Materials role is based within the R&D/QA function at Russell Stover Candies. The Food Technologist will play a critical role in researching and evaluating alternative raw materials and suppliers in anticipation of changing market trends.  The focus of this role will be on specifications, supplier documentation and overall progress in raw material quality and status. This role reports to the Senior Manager Food Science and Regulatory Affairs.
 
The key responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:

• Collection and upkeep of data and documentation for raw materials from suppliers; which will be maintained in database. 
• Define raw material landscape and identify where alternate materials are needed in anticipation of changing market trends.
• Develop process for evaluation to include sourcing, formulation, sensory and stability and put into practice for potential alternative materials.
• Develop specifications for new raw materials, review and strengthen current specifications.
• Evaluate alternate suppliers and collaborate with Purchasing on raw material issues.
• Collection and upkeep of data and documentation for co-manufactured products; which will be maintained in database. 
• Meet requests of external customers for a variety of product specific details (domestic and international).
• Assist with identification and resolution of product quality issues.
• Serve as the link between Product Development and internal/external suppliers regarding raw material solutions
• Participate in an environment of exploration and investigation on projects assigned within cross-functional teams and the R&D/QA department.
• Work closely with internal departments to define project objectives.
• Anticipate key technical issues and integrate data and knowledge to recommend solutions.
• Interpret and simplify technical issues into key messages and recommendations across multiple platforms (raw materials, finished product data).
• Provide written/oral reports to key personnel and project leaders.

TO BE CONSIDERED AN APPLICANT FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SHOW HOW YOU MEET THE BASIC QUALIFICATIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with a grad date of May/June 2016 in Food Science, Chemistry or Biology
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Power Point, Word) 
• Experience using statistical methods to analyze data, write reports and provide recommendations
• Experience managing multiple complex projects concurrently 

Preferred Qualifications

• R&D or QA experience in the food industry
• Able to support development of effective processes and systems to manage department objectives
• Database development and management experience in Access or Excel
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and within team environment

Employment by Russell Stover is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.

Russell Stover is an EOE/MINORITY/FEMALE/VET/DISABLED  employer. Principals only please.