COMPANY OVERVIEW
Recently named one of Entrepreneur magazine’s Top 100 Cannabis Leaders, Cresco Labs is one of the largest vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis operators in the United States. Cresco is built to become the most important company in the cannabis industry by combining the most strategic geographic footprint with one of the leading distribution platforms in North America. Employing a consumer-packaged goods (“CPG”) approach to cannabis, Cresco’s house of brands is designed to meet the needs of all consumer segments and includes some of the most recognized and trusted national brands including Cresco, Remedi and Mindy’s, a line of edibles created by James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal. Sunnyside*, Cresco’s national dispensary brand is a wellness-focused retailer designed to build trust, education and convenience for both existing and new cannabis consumers. Recognizing that the cannabis industry is poised to become one of the leading job creators in the country, Cresco has launched the industry’s first national comprehensive Social Equity and Educational Development (SEED) initiative designed to ensure that all members of society have the skills, knowledge and opportunity to work in and own businesses in the cannabis industry.
MISSION STATEMENT
At Cresco, we aim to lead the nation’s cannabis industry with a focus on regulatory compliance, product consistency, and customer satisfaction. Our operations bring legitimacy to the cannabis industry by acting with the highest level of integrity, strictly adhering to regulations, and promoting the clinical efficacy of cannabis. As Cresco grows, we will operate with the same level of professionalism and precision in each new market we move in to.
JOB SUMMARY
The Food & Beverage Scientist will lead the design, planning, validation, and implementation of new product development and line extensions in the cannabis CPG space with the objective of creating best-in-class edibles and beverages for Cresco Labs.
CORE JOB DUTIES
- Ability to define the formulation for new products and to establish and conduct experimental design on new product testing
- Applies scientific methods through the various development stages, including the coordination of commercialization trials, interpreting data and making data-driven decisions, and conducting both accelerated and real-time shelf life studies
- Maintains detailed and accurate records of shelf life studies, testing, formulations, trials, sensory evaluations, and regulatory documentation
- Ability to prepare technical transfer details for the operations team when implementing a new process or product in a particular region
- Lead and supervise plant trials and new product start-ups, ensuring the criteria is met for product and package design
- Ability to travel to Joliet Cultivation Center (Illinois) regularly in order to conduct infusions and to lead line trials
- Ability to operate pilot plant equipment for testing and trials in order to allow R&D team to meet product commercialization timelines and schedules
- Communicate with ingredient suppliers to source ingredient samples and documentation needed for formula development and prototyping
- Prepare samples and prototypes for internal demonstrations, training, and brain-storming sessions
- Screen ingredients for function and cost effectiveness, identify new suppliers of ingredients that further business strategies and deliver on formulating objectives
- Ability to maintain effective and frequent professional communications and interactions with cross-functional teams
- Ability to identify root-cause analysis and implement corrective action
- Ability to prepare and present technical reports
- Offer ingredient recommendations and ideas for product and process development
- Execute experiments based on project objectives
- Flexibility and ability to pivot on project needs and deliverables
- Meet project deadlines by working efficiently with a sense of urgency
- Maintaining proper sanitation for work areas and pilot plant areas
- Participate in establishing, improving and adhering to and fulfill policies, procedures and reporting requirements for all relevant Environment, Health and Safety regulations; local, state and federal food safety regulations; GMP and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); GFSI, SQF, BRC and/or customer food safety requirements and other third-party inspections
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science/Engineering or Related Field
- Three years’ experience in the field of Food Science Product Development or R&D
- Experience in confection, chocolate, and dry beverage technology CPG space preferred
- Experience with cannabis extracts, edibles production and different infusion techniques a plus
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and able to manage multiple projects concurrently
- Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills
- Ability to stand for long hours when needed
- Must be able to lift and move 50 pounds and work in a fast-paced production environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
- Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
Cresco Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.