Project Lab Tech

Project Lab Tech

Vacancy expired!

If interested email Brianna at and reference #1144796

Position Summary:

Provide depth of knowledge in food technology regarding product technical services and product quality maintenance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of Corporate Food Technology in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work with internal and external teams to develop and improve new and existing product processes while containing costs and maintaining or improving product quality
• Follow regulatory and technological changes that may affect the food industry
• Assist in coordinating activities and projects with external contracted manufacturers; both food and non-food consumer products
• Work with plant teams in resolving differences in manufacturing processes between multiple operation locations that will improve the quality and costs of products and increase efficiencies
• Demonstrate excellence in project planning and execution through best use of resources to shorten the time to project completion
• Effectively and simultaneously manage multiple projects for multiple customers
• Reformulate products as prudent to reduce ingredient and manufacturing costs while maintaining and/or improving product quality
• Provide technical assistance related to testing techniques and quality assurance procedures for plants
• Audit products for quality and manage audit follow-up projects to improve quality
• Audit plant operations and analyze consumer comments
• Prepare and maintain material specification documents
• Work with Sensory Manager to organize and coordinate consumer panels
• Review product label proofs to ensure compliance with all labeling and claim regulations - NLEA
• Direct activities of lab technical staff as needed
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

Behaviors/Skills:

• Some of the Leadership Behaviors needed to successfully perform this position are:
• Puts the Customer First - Anticipates customer needs, champions for the customer, acts with customers in mind, exceeds customers' expectations, gains customers' trust and respect.
• Communicates effectively and candidly - Communicates clearly and directly, approachable, relates well to others, engages people and helps them understand change, provides and seeks feedback, articulates clearly, actively listens.
• Achieves results through teamwork - Is open to diverse ideas, works inclusively and collaboratively, holds self and others accountable, involves others to accomplish individual and team goals.
• Leads through positive influence - Demonstrates strong character; builds partnerships; models a conscious balance between work and personal life; takes personal responsibility for own development; role models leadership qualities such as motivation, inspiration, passion and trust.
• Coaches and develops others - Develops and cares about associates, builds effective teams, helps people be their best, values and manages diversity, provides candid and constructive feedback.
• Leads change and innovation - Challenges the status quo, embraces technology, puts forward creative ideas, champions and implements process improvements, gathers the ideas of others, demonstrates good judgment about which ideas will work.
• Executes with excellence - Is action oriented, drives for results, sets clear expectations and milestones, reviews progress, acts decisively, solves problems, can be counted on to consistently meet or exceed goals.
• Provides clear and strategic direction - Plans and organizes well, sets a clear and simple course of action, stays focused on the most important priorities, has the ability to visualize and plan for the future, understands the industry and marketplace.
• Safety Awareness - Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards.

Minimum Position Qualifications/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, dairy science/bakery science or related field
• Experience in product development or plant production
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Excellent oral/written communication skills
• Proven project leadership skills

Desired Previous Job Experience:

• Demonstrated excellence in project planning, problem solving and execution
• Experience with multiple food and/or non-food categories
• 4 years of experience in product technical service or plant production (L-8)
• Experience managing diverse, complex or high-risk product categories (L-8)

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or