Sr. Manager - Beverage Formulation Scientist

ABOUT POPPI: Soda's back. Like, actually back. The twist? It's better for you this time (and no lie, it tastes better, too)! Join the team that's reclaiming soda one mouthwatering drop at a time. Refreshing and juicy without unnecessary sugar, it's time to love soda again!

OUR VALUES:

• We keep it real: We keep our egos in check and our feedback honest so we can always stay real. You know, like our ingredients.
• We are creators: We're disruptors who see and do things differently, which is why we changed the soda game forever.
• We do it better, together: We're better when we do together. We have one shot to become the #1 soda, so we need to make it count (while taking care of each other along the way).
  
  

THE ROLE

poppi is seeking an experienced beverage formulation scientist to join our dynamic Product team. This role requires a candidate with strong bench-top formulation and flavor expertise in the beverage category with an innovation mindset to ideate and renovate new and existing products. This role requires the ability to work cross-functionally with the QA, Operations, Procurement teams and external partners to ensure diligence in the development, scale-up, and commercialization of products.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Hands-on development of new beverage applications and improvement of existing products.
• Research and establish a scientific understanding of ingredients, including but not limited to sweeteners, acids, flavors, and fiber, and their interaction with the beverage system.
• Partner, source, and manage ingredients, flavors, and equipment for product development.
• Collaborate with a network of 3rd party flavor houses and university R&D partner teams on flavor technology, ingredient research, and market insights.
• Determine functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients in finished products using industry-established analytical and sensory tools.
• Source new ingredient technologies and functional ingredients, and identify ways to innovate in the CSD category.
• Create and document finished goods formulas for costing and production and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Employ in-house lab or external analytical lab partners to collect data on nutritional content, shelf-life, packaging testing, micro testing, and more, and make recommendations.
• Meet in-person with ingredient and product suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials as needed.
• Work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, and sales teams to supply prototype samples as needed.
• Work in collaboration with the QA department to ensure that the commercial-ready formulas are consistent from a sensory and food safety perspective.
  
  

WHAT YOU BRING

• Experience working in a high-growth environment where decisions are made swiftly and priorities shift throughout the day.
• Proven track record of developing and scaling-up food and beverage applications across soft drinks, energy drinks, enhanced waters, or teas.
• Proficient understanding of ingredients (sweeteners, acids, flavors, fiber) and their interaction with the beverage system; prior experience with flavor houses is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of the requirements and implications of beverage processing: pasteurization, aseptic, and cold fill.
• Advanced problem-solving and evaluation capabilities along with a proven record of delivering timely results.
• Excellent collaborator with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Capable of learning and adapting to new technologies.
• Strategic and data-driven approach to developing best-in-class products.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
  

YOUR BACKGROUND

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Biology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• 10+ years of experience in beverage application development; experience working with soft drinks, enhanced waters, and energy drinks preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, NetSuite, PowerBI, and Formulation Management Software.
  
  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel up to 20% by plane and car to domestic or international sites.
• Valid driver's license.
• Some lifting and the movement of moderate loads require 50-pound lifting requirement.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.
  
  

The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of the job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some incumbents assigned to the job to perform a different combination of duties. 

COMPENSATION: Our comprehensive compensation package plays a big part in how we recognize you for the impact you have on our path to achieving our mission. For this role, the estimated base salary range is between $125,000 - $140,000. The actual base salary will vary based on various factors, including market and individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process. The listed range above is a guideline, and the base salary range for this role may be modified.

BENEFITS: poppi offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including, but not limited to:

• Bonus
• Paid Time Off (3 weeks)
• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Flexible Spending Account Plan
• 401(k) Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Technology Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Quarterly poppi Product Benefit
  
  

At poppi, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. We seek to create a culture where everyone can belong. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. 

poppi is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

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