Innovation Scientist - Sauces

  • OFI
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • 5 hours ago
  • Full Time

Job Summary


Employment Type
Full Time

Job Description


We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we're with, whatever we're doing, we always make it real . Position Summary Reporting to Sr. Manager Innovation Savory, the Food Scientist will manage innovation development projects and initiatives for Olam Food Ingredients (ofi). This position will work closely with innovation leadership to drive the global strategy and deliver value generating innovation solutions. They will interact with manufacturing plants of assigned product categories to provide technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities. The position will work with customers to provide solutions to meet both internal and external customer needs. The Food Scientist will lead and perform required analysis of the food, ingredients, raw and finished goods, and will analyze data, interpret results, and write reports. The Food Scientist will also communicate the challenges and opportunities for their specific categories to innovation leadership, key stakeholders and to senior management on a regular basis. The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background as a Food Scientist focusing in areas of spice blends and seasonings and thermally processed sauces, They should be comfortable leading key projects, as well as working independently to ensure deadlines are met. They should work well under multiple competing demands and be able to successfully manage workload. Position Responsibilities
  • Manage innovation projects, communicate, and coordinate with internal stakeholders as well as customers.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of the current food and ingredient trends across all channels of our business.
  • Expertise in the development of spice blends, seasoning, and/or thermally processed sauces.
  • Provide information to internal stakeholders to drive the business strategy and deliver value generating innovative solutions.
  • Prepare responses to customer inquiries with adequate scientific and technical evidence and provide solutions.
  • Complete the verification of the implementation of standard operating procedures for the laboratory or kitchen facilities.
  • Provide expertise in the development of new innovative products and solutions within focused categories both internally and externally with customers.
  • Visit customers (as required) to resolve any technical challenges that may arise by using ofi ingredients.
  • Responsible for maintaining accurate records of formulations, procedures, and processes in appropriate software systems and platforms.
  • Support Operations, Quality, and Procurement in the processing and commercialization of new innovations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Technology, Food Engineering or a related field is required.
  • Minimum One (1) year experience in the development, formulation and ingredients research is required. Experience should include working with the product development ingredient applications, and scale-up trials
  • Understanding of basic food processing and analytical techniques in chemical and microbiological analysis is required. Experience leading/managing teams is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products is required.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are required.
  • Ability to work with multiple cross functional teams and geographies as well as with internal and external customers. Proven ability to interact effectively with department, company or customer associates and experience in a team-oriented environment is required.
  • Experience with SAP platform is preferred.
  • Understanding of basic food processing and analytical techniques in chemical and microbiological analysis is required.
  • Desire and ability to travel, up to 20% of the time, across North America is required.
ofi provides employees with a comprehensive & competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. A Rewarding Career Awaits! The pay for this role ranges from $ 77,000 - $110,000 annually and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors. Performance-based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact, for eligible roles. Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future. A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family. Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees. Additional Perks That Make a Difference:
  • Vacation time from Day 1 - Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure.
  • Paid Sick Leave - Rest, recover, and return strong - with paid sick leave on ofi.
  • Company Paid Holidays - ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life's special moments.
  • 401K Match on Day 1 - Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program.
  • Career Growth & Learning - Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.
At ofi , we don't just offer jobs-we provide careers built on impact, inclusion, and innovation . Come grow with us! Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: ... At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Job Summary


Employment Type
Full Time

Benefit Insights


Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
401(k)
Holiday Pay
Health & Wellness Programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Medical Flexible Spending Account
Paid Parental Leave
Life Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Job ID: 493252988

Originally Posted on: 9/15/2025