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Culinary Innovation Scientist - Job Opportunity at Uncle John's / Zummo

Tampa, United States
Full-time
Senior
Posted: March 26, 2025
On-site
USD 80,000-100,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance with competitive coverage
401(k) with company matching indicating strong retirement focus
Vision and dental coverage showing complete healthcare package
Life insurance demonstrating employee security prioritization
Competitive PTO policy aligned with industry standards

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic product innovation initiatives for protein-based products from ideation through commercialization
Drive research and development of unique flavor profiles and processing techniques to maintain market competitiveness
Ensure regulatory compliance and quality standards while optimizing production processes
Collaborate across departments to align product development with market demands and operational capabilities
Direct technical aspects of product launches and customer presentations

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Culinary Arts, or related field

Experience

5+ years in meat product development, R&D, or culinary innovation

Required Skills

Flavor development expertise Spice blending proficiency Texture optimization knowledge Smoking and curing techniques Emulsification process understanding USDA/FDA regulatory knowledge HACCP principles familiarity Analytical testing methods Sensory evaluation expertise Cross-functional collaboration Equipment operation proficiency
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The protein innovation sector is experiencing rapid growth driven by consumer demand for unique flavor profiles and clean-label products Increasing focus on sustainable and alternative protein sources is reshaping R&D priorities in the meat processing industry Regulatory emphasis on food safety and transparency is elevating the importance of technical expertise in product development

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $80,000-100,000 is competitive for a senior food scientist role in the Tampa market, though top performers in similar positions can command up to $120,000 with extensive experience

Role Significance

Typically leads a team of 3-5 R&D specialists while collaborating with multiple departments
Senior technical position with significant influence on product portfolio and innovation strategy

Key Projects

New product development initiatives with 6-12 month timelines Process optimization programs for existing product lines Clean-label reformulation projects Regulatory compliance updates and implementation

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in meat science combined with creative culinary vision Strong cross-functional leadership capabilities Ability to balance innovation with commercial viability Excellence in regulatory compliance management

Market Demand

High demand due to growing consumer interest in innovative protein products and increasing complexity of food safety regulations

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Meat science expertise is fundamental for understanding protein behavior and processing requirements Regulatory knowledge is essential for ensuring compliance in a highly regulated industry Innovation capability is crucial for maintaining market competitiveness

Beneficial Skills

Spanish language skills for workforce communication Project management expertise Consumer trend analysis capabilities Supplier relationship management experience

Unique Aspects

Rare combination of culinary creativity and technical expertise requirements
Direct involvement in complete product lifecycle from concept to commercialization
Significant autonomy in flavor and product development

Career Growth

2-4 years in role before advancement opportunity, depending on project success and business growth

Potential Next Roles

R&D Director Technical Innovation Manager Product Development Executive Quality Assurance Director

Company Overview

Uncle John's / Zummo

Regional leader in protein-based food products with a focus on innovation and quality

Mid-sized player in the specialty meat products sector with strong regional presence
Significant operations in the Southeast US with potential for market expansion
Innovation-focused environment with emphasis on technical excellence and product quality
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Job Listings Data

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  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
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