Sensory Technician

Support the Kroger Our Brands and Corporate Food Technology teams through various laboratory-related functions based on the changing needs of manufactured and procured Our Brands products under the direction of Technologists. Assist other lab technicians as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform all jobs safely, efficiently, and accurately to maintain and improve the performance in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and Customer 1st strategy.
• This hybrid position will be required to work in the Kroger Office at least two days per week based on your team’s schedule
• Assume a leading role in managing the process for new product development of KLP and KMP items
• Initiate and maintain contact with suppliers to communicate needs
• Track and report the status of projects to CFT Technologist and other business units
• Independently coordinate, set up, and assist in conducting product sensory evaluations, cuttings, audits, and communicate results
• Monitor and manage production samples and mail on a daily basis for quality and distribution; manage sample retention

Verify retail package nutrition labeling for accuracy

• Prepare recipes and verify retail package preparation/cooking directions for accuracy
• Utilize appropriate databases as required to meet business needs
• Assemble and prepare formulations, along with performing clean-up of equipment and utensils as directed by technologist
• Participate in a wide variety of food product evaluations
• Independently perform general duties as required to assure a smooth workflow in the laboratory as directed by technologist
• Efficiently coordinate work demands of at least 3 technologists in a timely manner
• Coordinate and collaborate with the CFT Sensory Manager to assist with product sensory evaluations

Report quality issues to technologist

• Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Issue cutting and audit reports and paperwork as directed by technologist
• Manage daily and ongoing cleaning of lab equipment, dishes, utensils, and stocking of lab supplies
• Independently calibrate and run various pieces of lab equipment after being trained
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF Systems Ability to multi-task and be flexible in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and learn new and different aspects of the job quickly
• Be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and complete concurrent multiple assignments
• Leadership – ability to recognize and provide training opportunities; give clear direction to accomplish assigned tasks; hold others to high standards of accountability and address issues when needed in a way that encourages, not discourages the employee

Requirements

• 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 MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or equivalent, preferably a 2-year culinary or technical degree
• Ability to analyze information, form a conclusion, and communicate the results
• Microsoft Office, Calendar Booking, and other database systems
• Ability to prioritize and organize responsibilities based on changing and challenging deadlines
• Ability to cook and coordinate multiple cooking activities
• Excellent attention to detail with high degree of accuracy and precision
• Adaptable to last-minute changes and shifting priorities
• Strong oral and written communication skills MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Must be able to: Most weeks require standing up to 7.5 hours per day, multiple times a week
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Tolerate temperature fluctuations and working in cold areas such as freezers PREFFERED EXPERIENCE: Laboratory or food-related experience, especially science-related experience or kitchen/restaurant experience

Science, chemistry, biology, math, and/or statistics classes

• Previous support person for multiple people COMPETENCIES/SKILLS: Some of the Competencies/Skills required to successfully perform this position are: Adaptability – maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
• Making – identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
• Inclusion – appreciating and leveraging the capabilities, insights and ideas of all individuals; working effectively with individuals of diverse style, ability and motivation for a direct effect on business results
• Initiating Action – taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive; generating innovative solutions in work situations
• Negotiation – effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties Self-Starter – working the majority of the time without direct supervision; prioritizing, organizing and completing workload accurately within allotted time period
• Standards – setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence

Building Strategic Working Relationships – developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals Building Trust – interacting with Kroger employees, customers and suppliers in a way that gives Kroger Division and Corporate Management confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization

Communication

clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in the English language Customer Focus – making Kroger customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; developing and sustaining productive relationships with Kroger employees as well as the suppliers that we represent