Product Development Technologist

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka. 

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

The Product Development Technologist is responsible for assisting with new product development activities, reformulation of existing products, shelf life testing, conducting taste panels, and gathering information for formula submission to TTB.  They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the lab and lab maintenance. 

• Ensure the work environment is safe and practice safe work policies of the laboratory. Adhere to all OSHA, state and local regulations.
• Work with internal and external custometo support New Product Development, Production, Sales and Marketing, and Technical Services activities. Help to identify issues with internal or external customer service and work with team to put corrective actions in place.
• With knowledge of Sensory Evaluation Techniques, conduct taste panels to determine the statistical differences between products through the use of blind triangle tests, Duo-Trio Tests and/or Two-out-of-Five tests. Work with SCITE team on continuous improvement of current sensory techniques and programs.
• Develop and maintain solid professional working relationships both inside and outside the company. Set a positive example and act in a manner consistent with company values.
• Assist in improving skills by developing yourself and your team's knowledge, capabilities and performance by strengthening competencies. Utilize goal setting and developmental target by using the PDS system. Continually improve performance through feedback and self-awareness.
• Work with Brand Managers, Product Development Scientist and external customers to develop and create alcoholic beverages that meet or exceed demands of customers and consumers. Develop and prepare working formulas for all products developed or purchased by the company. Work with regulatory and PD team to prepare all necessary documents for submission to the TTB for formula approval.
• Assist in scientific and organoleptic analyses in the Sazerac Center for Innovation & Technical Excellence lab. Support activities including taste panel execution, sample preparation and analysis, complaint investigation, inventory management, and laboratory accreditation. Drive continuous improvement in products and processes. Ensure adherence to Personal Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and Environmental Policies and Practices.
• Participate in writing, organizing and updating lab procedures. Follow all work instructions and provide feedback on laboratory specifications. Assist with cleaning and organizing the lab. Provide input for lab design efficiency, ergonomics, and safety. Assist with experimental design of shelf life testing.  Once a new product is approved, work with PD Technician to prepare all samples necessary and conduct shelf life testing.
• Assist in the documentation and auditing of the new product laboratory procedures, processes and systems to identify improvement opportunities and efficiencies.
• Ensure activities, processes, and products are compliant with government agencies' regulatory requirements including OSHA, TTB, and EPA.

MUST

• Ability to communicate with all levels of an org
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at one time
• Ability to project a professional image
• At least 21 years of age
• Bachelor's Degree
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems/processes
• Detail oriented
• Food Science or related degree
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Willingness to travel
• Experience working in a fast paced environment
• 2 Years relevant lab/QC experience

PREFERRED

• Master's degree in related field
• Applicable Experience in Alcohol Beverage Industry or CPG overall
• Organizational Development experience