CFT Product Dev Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist with and execute specific tasks in support of the non-foods area of the Kroger Our Brands business. Support new product development activities and regularly communicate upcoming projects and prioritization to external stakeholders. Provide problem-solving assistance, while adhering to system, department, and regulatory standards to ensure top-notch data quality. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently, and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Kroger’s Corporate Food Technology Team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• This position will be required to work in the Kroger Office five days per week
• Attend regular meetings and project/product reviews to provide visibility to upcoming new product development projects and relay information to appropriate stakeholders
• Review various product-specific documents and forms for completeness, accuracy, and general compliance to Kroger Our Brands standards and expectations; share feedback and discrepancies with stakeholders
• Maintain timely and effective communication, including any questions or follow-ups, with the appropriate parties
• Coordinate and execute various activities related to the formal cutting stage of new product development, including but not limited to scheduling, preparing and completing paperwork, collecting and preparing samples, cleaning up, and distributing results to appropriate stakeholders
• Understand strategies and execution plans for paneling and project execution, such as coordinating the number of samples needed and understanding the location(s) to which they should be sent
• Partner with Kroger Our Brands team members to understand product claims; thoroughly and accurately convey the validation efforts needed from stakeholders
• Schedule New Item and 6-Month product quality audits
• Assist in review and revision of third-party testing protocols in collaboration with Our Brands team
• Collaborate with Food Safety Quality team to ensure vendors are third-party GMP certified
• Maintain a collection of the library of approved formal cutting, sensory panel, and first production samples
• Assist in developing and improving new and existing project management processes or tools

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4 year degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Degree in food/dairy/bakery science or related scientific field preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to communicate clearly and directly both inside and outside of the organization
• Excellent attention to detail

MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Must be able to:
  • Remain standing/sitting for several hours at a time
  • Lift 10-30 lbs. occasionally

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving, and execution
• Experience with multiple food and/or non-food categories
• 2+ years of experience in product development, project management or quality assurance

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are:

• Adaptability – maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
• Building Strategic Working Relationships – developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Building Trust – interacting with Kroger employees, customers and suppliers in a way that gives Kroger Division and Corporate Management confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Communication – clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in the English language
• Customer Focus – making Kroger customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with Kroger employees as well as the suppliers that we represent
• Decision Making – identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
• Inclusion – appreciating and leveraging the capabilities, insights and ideas of all individuals; working effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability and motivation for a direct effect on business results
• Initiating Action – taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive; generating innovative solutions in work situations
• Self-Starter – working the majority of the time without direct supervision; prioritizing, organizing and completing workload accurately within allotted time period
• Work Standards – setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed