Product Specialist I/II
Job ID: 21000548
Location: Saint Louis, MO
Location: Saint Louis, MO
Job Category: R&D/Scientific/Product Development
Company: Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Nestle Purina is a leader in the pet care industry, which means we’re not only ahead in volume, profit and market share, we’re at the forefront of innovative product development. Creating food for cats and dogs that heals joint pain and enhances cognitive function is a small ‘taste’ of what the faces behind our formulas are working on every day.
Our Product Specialists bring ideas to life for both our wet and dry factories. As part of the Technical Services group, you will create the flavors, shapes and textures often innovated in marketing and so enjoyed by pets. In this role, you’ll handle various intermediate-term products, engineering processes and packaging solutions for the business, as well as provide technical support to manufacturing operations. You’ll leverage your sharp science background and food formulation experience to be able to effectively qualify new raw materials and suppliers. You will manage product formulas using the Nestle PURINA formulations system with appropriate ingredient, nutritional, regulatory and analytical requirements. You’ll identify and lead performance, waste reduction, and quality improvement projects to help us remain a leader on the shelf.
Buckle up, because you can expect to work on fast-paced, multi-functional teams focused on taking new products from conception to market. So, if your full potential could be unleashed, what would you add to the ‘mix’?
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Manage development, scale up and implementation of new and existing technologies to improve the performance of existing products and develop new products
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Explore innovative application of pet food product/process possibilities based on current state-of-art in the area of food technology
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Serve as technical resource for marketing to develop a robust pipeline of product development opportunities, which includes developing technical project plans and timelines for all assigned projects
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Support product formulation including appropriate ingredient, nutritional, regulatory and analytical requirements
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Act as ingredient lead for all assigned ingredients/raw material including qualification of new raw materials and suppliers
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Proactively monitor and provide product maintenance for assigned product responsibilities requiring standardized scientific procedures
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Initiate and implement cost reduction ideas for assigned product lines and factories
*Approximately 40% travel required
**Perform all other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum):
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Bachelor’s degree in Meat/Food/Bakery/Grain Science or related scientific discipline and 1+ years of product development (food), formulation and scale-up experience
OR
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MS/PhD in Meat/Food/Bakery/Grain Science or a scientific discipline with no experience necessary
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you’re at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé Purina. The skills you’ve gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. We hope you’ll consider sharing in our mission–you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé Purina home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment and affirmative action employers and look for diversity in qualified candidates for employment.
Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@purina.nestle.com to notify of us of any needs related to completing the job application.
Before the Interview
How to Prepare for an Interview
Before the interview:
Make a good impression before you reach the interview room by updating and maintaining your LinkedIn profile. Prepare for your interview by researching the company, practicing your interview skills, and studying the position so you can see how your skills match up. So you aren’t flustered on your way to the interview, do a dry run to the interview location before your interview day. If you’re looking for more support, reach out to other veterans who have had success with job searching to help you prep.
Key Takeaways
- Update your LinkedIn
- Research our culture, our people, and the location of your interview
- Do a dry run to the interview location
- Prepare specific examples that fit the job requirements
- Use our online skills translator to best explain your skills and experience
- Practice a mock interview
- Reach out to other veterans
During the Interview
During the interview:
Put your best foot forward by arriving in appropriate attire and showcasing the situations, behaviors, and outcomes that have led to your success. By highlighting the skills you obtained in the military and owning your accomplishments, you’ll make a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways
- Dress in business formal
- Practice storytelling
- Have a printed copy of your résumé
- Highlight the skills that match with this job
- Share your accomplishments
- Emphasize your dedication to the job
- Ask questions!
After the Interview
After the interview:
If you’re interested in the position, make it known! Sending an email or thank-you note show your appreciation and keep you in the interviewer’s mind. The job market is competitive, so don’t be discouraged by not landing a job on the first try. Instead, view each interview as a learning experience that will prepare you for future opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Send an email or thank-you note
- Use this interview as a learning experience
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The Nestlé Companies are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers and are looking for diversity in qualified candidates for employment: Disabled/Veteran. If you require an accommodation in order to view or apply to open positions, please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-877-204-8650. For technical assistance: email NesCareersSupport@icareerhelp.com or phone 1-877-204-8650.
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