Culinary Research Development Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Thistle makes it easy to eat well - without overthinking it. Thistle was founded in 2013 with a mission to help people get and stay healthy while improving the sustainability of our food system. Thistle delivers fully prepared, healthy-by-default meals, snacks, desserts, and organic cold-pressed juices. We believe the health of people starts with eating real, whole foods, in the right balance, without the friction. We're building a future where nutritious, sustainable food is accessible, craveable, and part of everyday life

The Label Specialist plays a key role in ensuring product quality and accuracy at Thistle. This role involves reviewing, editing, and printing product labels for customers while also managing process control documentation, including meal weights, label verification, meal specifications, and portion control. As the initial and final checkpoint in the production line, the Specialist also ensures all Quality Control station functions are properly executed.

• Label Management: Review, edit, and print labels to ensure all labeling tasks are completed on schedule.
• Quality Control: Collaborate with Inventory Specialists and Culinary R&D to finalize labels, obtain necessary approvals, and post updates to the appropriate channels via Slack.
• Label Organization: Receive and organize all labels and ink, serving as the primary contact for label-related initiatives and inquiries.
• Label Verification: Create and maintain a Label Verification binder, ensuring all verification sheets (72 sheets, 12 sheets per tab, 2 sheets per meal code) are completed accurately.
• Label Creation: Develop labels for soups and jar salads in accordance with guidelines provided by Culinary R&D and the handoff trackers. Coordinate pre-labeling with plate leads for jar salads.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborate with Sales Operations to create and print juice labels, and coordinate with R&D, QA, and engineers to update label templates with necessary information, including allergens, quotes, and nutritional facts.
• Printer and Labeler Management: Oversee the maintenance and replacement of printer components, collaborating with Procurement to ensure the timely acquisition of parts. Partner with operations teams to manage and maintain auto-labelers, ensuring functionality aligns with production needs and quality standards. Drive operational efficiency through proactive monitoring and resolution of printer and labeler-related issues.
• Documentation Oversight: Regularly review and update documentation related to nutrition, ensuring label verification sheets are properly completed, and accompany labeled containers to the plate.
• Operate and Troubleshoot Automated Labeling Tools: Provide hands-on work to operate the labeling equipment, train and support other users, and troubleshoot common issues with the labeling machine(s) settings.
• Systems Troubleshooting: Understand the various digital systems used for printing labels to effectively troubleshoot issues with spreadsheets, imported spreadsheets, and vendor software systems.
• Participate in manual or automated labeling as required by the business flow.
• Other duties as required.

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Intermediate use of digital tools such as Microsoft Windows, spreadsheets, PDF files, printer dialogs, and the ability to learn proprietary digital tools used for labeling.
• Possess 1+ years of manufacturing experience, with a preference for food manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including availability for weekends and early mornings.
• Exhibit punctuality, consistent attendance, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Capable of moving, lifting, carrying, pulling, or pushing objects up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Able to stand or sit for extended periods, with the ability to stoop, kneel, bend, twist, and reach.
• Comfortable working occasionally in a refrigerated environment.
• Proficient in completing process control documentation, including meal weights, label verification, meal specifications, and portion control.
• Serve as the first and final checkpoint, understanding the functions of the Quality Control station.
• Obtain state-designated or equivalent Food Handlers Certification within 30 days of starting.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential values at Thistle. We know we do our best and most impactful work when we feel we are represented and belong. We're proud to actively recruit and hire talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class"), including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, citizenship, national origin, color, hairstyles, hair texture, religion or religious creed, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran or active military status, marital status, criminal record, genetics, retaliation, sexual harassment or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.