Principal Scientist

Job Category:
Research & Development

Job Family:
Research and Development

Job Description:
We are seeking an innovative and strategic
Principal Scientist
to drive the development of new products, processes, and ingredient solutions in the dairy and plant-based sectors. This role involves identifying and executing breakthrough technologies, conducting primary research in lab and pilot plant settings, and applying scientific problem-solving to enhance product quality and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth expertise in dairy components, food processing, and regulatory compliance, and will serve as a key scientific advisor across the organization. Strong communication skills and the ability to translate research into actionable business initiatives are essential.

This position may be a Research Fellow based on experience and qualifications.

This position is located at our Corporate Office in Green Bay, WI.
About our Green Bay, WI Home Office:
You'll find lots to love in our beautiful home office in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin. Our jeans-friendly environment has indoor and outdoor collaboration spaces, state-of-the-art R&D and sensory labs, culinary kitchens, a pilot plant, innovation center and more.

Take advantage of outdoor workspaces. Sample and provide feedback on new products from our R&D team. Enjoy free coffee, soda and popcorn. Hit up a game of ping pong on your break. Or take a short walk to restaurants, breweries, the YMCA and a weekly farmer's market on the scenic Fox River. You can even see Lambeau Field from our top floor.

What you'll do:

• Lead the exploration and development of innovative technologies, ingredients, and processes that align with strategic business goals.
• Identify and secure resources—equipment, systems, ingredients, and talent—needed to advance innovation.
• Recognize and develop patentable products and processes through exploratory research.
• Initiate and conduct primary research on dairy & non-dairy ingredients and core products (milk, natural cheese, process cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, & other products). Leverages strong financial aptitude and expertise in dairy & non-dairy food components and commodity markets to identify product or process opportunities leading to optimizing component usage and profitability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop impactful new products and processes, while navigating complex internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly through reports and presentations to influence decision-making. Frequently conduct briefings to senior leaders both within and outside of department.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory standards, and competitor activity; serve as a key scientific and regulatory resource for the company.
• Build and maintain a strong network within academia, government, and industry to support innovation and compliance.
• Successfully negotiate complex and/or difficult situations involving internal and external customers with potentially high business risk or reward.
• Provide guidance, coaching and training to other employees across Schreiber within area of expertise.

What you need to succeed:

• MBA or Master's degree in Food or Dairy Science, PhD is highly preferred
• 10+ years experience in industrial R&D with proven track record of dairy research, with ingredients, cheese products, plant-based products, and cultured products experience.
• Has a broad understanding of dairy food production processes and applies food/dairy chemistry to solve problems.
• Must have a strong analytical background and expertise in dairy components and technology.
• Recognized as an industry subject matter expert in the areas of dairy chemistry and processing, and is sought out by others for mentoring, direction, and counsel.
• Demonstrates strong financial acumen and initiative in exploring, promoting, and implementing new initiatives to improve profitability.
• Must have expertise and demonstrated results in formal/informal project team leadership.
• Has a good understanding of patent law and how to apply it for strategic initiatives and recommendations.
• Enjoys taking on new challenges and opportunities. Highly self-directed person and possesses proper level of judgment to review ideas/plans with leadership. Works very well with others to achieve project goals and significantly higher company profitability. Strong knowledge of formulations management tools.
• Ability to travel up to 15%

Eligible partners will receive:

• Get not one, but TWO retirement benefits. When you join our employee-owned company, you'll be part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) from day one. In addition to an 8% 401(k) match into the ESOP, Schreiber will contribute an extra amount – about 8% of your earnings – toward your retirement every year. That's a company contribution of around 16% in retirement savings annually. That's hard to beat
• Earn bonus pay. You'll have an opportunity to earn incentive pay twice a year when we meet our company goals.
• Ready to make a move? Receive a $10,000 relocation bonus PLUS a generous relocation package if relocating more than 50 miles for a U.S. Salaried position.
• Childcare costs. Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward childcare expenses, including independent babysitters.
• Earn $ for focusing on your health. Depending on your medical plan enrollment, earn $1,200 in your HSA or as a cash payout for prevention activities. Plus, use your $600 lifestyle spending