Jack & Annie's and The Jackfruit Company converts a heavily underutilized miracle crop – jackfruit, the world's meatiest plant – to whole-plant meats and income for farming families. As a company, we’ve pioneered the largest jackfruit supply chain, and the leading jackfruit brands, foods, and R&D. We are a leader in the Frozen and Refrigerated Plant-Based categories, with delicious, real food that delivers the benefits of plants. Our customer partners include Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Costco, DOT, Sysco, US Foods, Sodexo, and multiple regional and national restaurant chains. Today we are >75% of all jackfruit retail product sales in the US. We aim to mainstream consumption of jackfruit, a >$1 billion opportunity, for the good of farmers, consumers, and the planet.

ROLE / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Carry out the following tasks under the direction of the Product Development Manager:

• Assist Product Developers with lab tasks/duties, including assembling, disassembling, and cleaning lab/pilot plant equipment

• Set out and weigh ingredients each day for the preparation of samples
• Prepare products for sensory evaluations, including coding plates, cooking and slicing samples, and cleaning up after the evaluations
• Manage lab inventories of ingredients and supplies needed to support daily tasks.  Inform the Product Development Manager of what ingredients and supplies need to be ordered
• Receive, record, and appropriately store incoming deliveries
• Weigh out, pack off and schedule shipments of outgoing ingredients and products
• Maintain records on incoming and outgoing deliveries
• Maintain sanitation and lab organization including preparation of work areas for product development activities, and clean-up of areas on completion of activities
• Effectively communicate with related departments on project and products as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum of twelve (12) college credits/CEUs OR in lieu of college credits, 2-3 years of restaurant or laboratory experience
• 2-3 years’ experience in a restaurant or food manufacturing environment, preferred. Knowledge of food safety a plus
• Strong computer skills required, with experience managing Microsoft Word and Excel files and handling data.
• Solid math skills including the ability to work accurately with formulas and decimals
• Professional written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to present information to peers in a logical manner.
• Ability to be self-directed and motivated. Ability to work in a challenging and fast-paced environment with activities potentially changing quickly
• Ability to lift 10 pounds continuously, 20 pounds frequently and 40 pounds occasionally.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to identify, analyze and solve problems.
• Teamwork mindset, with flexibility to adjust to customer demands

The ideal candidate embodies the TJC vision, mission, and culture with strong interpersonal skills, professional and personal integrity, and an effective communication style.