Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world's best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

Working closely with the Food and Treat Product Development teams as well as cross-functionally with FSQR, Marketing, and Operations, assists managers in new product development and improves existing products designed to meet the needs of our fans. The Senior Food Technologist must be proficient in gathering information for the team related to key business drivers and critical issues associated with the roll-out process. Organizes and assists in conducting product showings, analytical testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, and cost of goods reduction testing to assure continued cost, quality, and marketplace competitiveness. This position is effective in identifying opportunities to reduce variability and ensure reproducibility of high-quality and high-value products.

This individual will assist in seeking insights and root causes during the development process to help the team design restaurant-ready products. The Senior Food Technologist will work with R&D team members and cross functional team members to ask analytical questions, to achieve scientific details and restaurant- ready details to assist in building a strong product pipeline to surprise and delight DQ fans, as well as support restaurant sales and profitability. This role will self-manage projects with clear prioritization skills and effectively resolve issues and questions on a timely basis. In addition to product development responsibilities, this individual will serve as communication conduit between US-based team and Canadian-based vendors, distribution, franchisees and fans.

This position also supports the daily operations of the DQ product development lab. In doing this, this position is hybrid and is required to be on site several days a week to support the lab coordinator and product development managers.

• Working with the PD Director, manage processes/timelines to complete development projects in a timely, cost-effective manner. Perform creative and technical product development assignments within the food/treat category. Analyze product and procedural issues and make recommendations to the PD Director to resolve problems by applying technical knowledge and skill.

• Utilize technical and culinary know-how to collaborate cross-functionally in ideation, exploration, development, and implementation of new products. Prepare menu items/products for review by internal team members and Council/Committees. Assist with in-house sensory evaluation, taste panels, focus groups, and other consumer research projects. Maintain laboratory facility and equipment. Must be regarded as a subject matter expert in all areas related to product design.
• Approve and maintain ingredient specifications and final product specifications. Alert management to issues relating to the approval of these specifications. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the specification and provide solutions to continue to enhance the ingredient specification.
• Support all of R&D with communications between US-based and Canadian teams, vendors, distribution, franchisees, and fans. Support includes, but is not limited to, handling complaints, assisting with the vendor vetting process, and assisting with regulatory issues, including withdrawals, new regulations, etc.
• Support internal/external ideation and product exploration sessions for the food product category. Working with the PD Director, present ideas to the brand marketing team.
• Identify and build relationships with suppliers and other experts related to food category. Direct and manage suppliers in the development of new ingredients and products. Troubleshoot manufacturing plant procedures for existing and new products.
• Develop objectives. Demonstrate a strong understanding of evaluation audit procedures, including analytical and sensory measurements, and support objective evaluations of current and proposed food product ingredients. Identify product and procedural problems. Working with the PD Director, recommend solutions by applying technical knowledge and skill. Strong understanding of food science principles.
• Analyze consumer and operator comments and market research information on new products. Alert the PD Director to areas of concern. Provide and recommend recommendations on improvements. Alert the corporation to new trends in the food industry.
• Alert
• Corporation to new trends in the food industry. Support FSQR by ensuring that ADQ quality and food safety requirements are met.

• B.A. or B.S. Degree. A minimum of an undergraduate degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field is required.
• 2-4 years of experience in professional product development or QA experience.
• Proficiency in standard sensory methodologies and the ability to conduct sensory testing.
• Capable of assimilating large quantities of data, sorting relevant facts, and providing concise, cogent descriptions of situations. You must have a working knowledge of analytical equipment and the ability to decipher the data it gives to determine the next steps.
• Must have the ability to translate technical data and communicate it in a non-technical way.
• Working knowledge of QSR/restaurant/commercial cooking equipment
• Must be an active bridge builder who can create mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external clients.
• Experienced with auditing, testing, sampling, practices, and food regulations. Ability to apply sound technical principles and practices to problem solving. Knowledge of food technology, microbiology, safe food handling procedures, and foodservice sanitation practices.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Competency in using computers and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, and OneNote. Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work in a QA/Product Development lab and factory environments for extended periods.
• Must have the ability to travel throughout the US, Mexico, Canada, and Internationally up to 10%.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more! To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week. Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs. Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new team members. You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.