Food Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

This role sits within Danone's Quality & Food Safety (QFS) organization and supports the Design-to-Deliver process. The Manager, Quality in Design is responsible for leading Quality and Food Safety for the industrialization and commercialization of new products and processes in manufacturing plants.

This role acts as the key QFS partner to cross-functional teams (Engineering, R&I, Commercialization, Procurement, etc.), ensuring that formulas, processes, equipment, and standards meet all internal and external food safety and quality requirements. The position also drives compliance to specification, risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and product performance.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent QFS on Project teams, coordinating QFS efforts with core team members.
• Identify and mitigate risk through application of scientific principles, technical experience and employment of Quality and Food Safety Standards.
• Collaborate with internal functions including Cycles & Procurement, Research & Innovation, Environmental Health and Safety, Sustainability, Regulatory, Food Safety, Project Management, Operations, and Commercialization and Technical Excellence to deliver products to the market that meet Danone's standards. 
• Facilitate root cause analysis and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Facilitate problem solving, resolution of plant issues, and follow-up to ensure appropriate corrective actions are complete.
• Ensure adherence to company project management processes and QFS requirements. 
• Communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Partner with R&I and Engineering to troubleshoot formulation and process issues, ensuring effective root cause identification and full implementation of corrective actions.
• Facilitate change and improve ways of working.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements and internal standards 
• All other duties as assigned.

TRAVEL: Estimated at 25%

The salary range for this position is $70,000.00 - $105,000.00 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions.  Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.This role is considered a "hybrid" position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related scientific field 
• Strong knowledge of Quality Systems, Food Safety, and regulatory requirements 
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, GMP, SPC, sanitation, and EHS 
• Basic auditing skills with a willingness to develop further

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership and influencing skills in a matrix environment 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills 
• High attention to detail and strong documentation practices 
• Self-driven, adaptable, and results-oriented 
• Ability to quickly learn new systems and tools 

NONESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Trained in SQF or FSSC (GFSI) auditing schemes
• Experience managing external suppliers/co-manufacturers
• Previous experience in Food or Food Packaging Research and Innovation
• Prior or present responsibility as QA Manager/Engineer for a food manufacturing facility
• Working knowledge of SAP and/or similar ERP databases and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems

Life at DanoneWith approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves "Proud Danoners." Learn more about Life at DanoneOur BrandsWhen you join us, you'll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, evian, Follow Your Heart, Happy Family Organics, International Delight, Light + Fit, Nutricia , Oikos, Silk, So Delicious Dairy Free, SToK Cold Brew Coffee , Too Good & Co, and YoCrunch.Our PurposeWe're committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we're proud to be the world's largest B Corp.Learn more about our mission.Our BenefitsOur commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees. 

• Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits - which include medical, dental and vision - with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.
• Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.  
• Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
• Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.Equal Opportunity EmployerDanone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.#LI-NORAM

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