Product Development Lab Technician

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.

The Laboratory Technician - Product Development is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Sazerac Lucerne Innovation Center laboratory. Responsibilities will include sample preparation, testing, data analysis, and maintenance of the laboratory. The Laboratory Technician – Product Development will also participate in problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives to benefit Sazerac operations.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure activities, processes, and products are compliant with relevant government agencies' regulatory requirements including OSHA, TTB, and EPA.
• Work with Research & Development Director, Global Product Development Manager, Brand Managers, Product Development Scientist, as well as other internal and external customers to support New Product Development, formula enhancements, strategic sourcing, Production, Sales and Marketing, and Technical Services activities. Help to identify issues with internal or external customer service and work to put corrective actions in place. Serve as a professional point of contact between vendors and the Sazerac Lucerne Innovation Center.
• 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.
• Participate in and maintain data from auditing activities, including analysis of vendor-provided data (e.g. allergens, nutritional, etc.), material inventory, production samples. Participate in plant and vendor audits as needed. Support activities related to laboratory accreditation.
• Participate in problem solving activities to standardize and improve processes across Sazerac. Implement effective lab procedures for improvement of products and processes. Implementing and maintaining systems and procedures to organizing standards and samples for Sazerac Lucerne Innovation Center. Support and drive efforts to improve sensory capabilities of personnel at all Sazerac facilities.
• Support the Sazerac Lucerne Innovation Center and the broader operation in achieving operational excellence through problem solving, implementing sustainable processes, and identifying opportunities for operational improvements. Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of the Sazerac Lucerne Innovation Center laboratory.
• 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.
• Implement PDS for self-development that will emphasize improvement in at least one competency per year and better performance against position description outcomes.
• Develop a Career Plan that will encourage achievement of career development and/or advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree within Food Science or related degree
• 2 years of Lab/QC or related experience (internships can be qualified as work experience)
• Ability to communicate with all levels of an org
• Excellent oral & written communication skills
• Demonstrated sensory aptitude
• Good physical health. For example; capable of working on your feet, sitting, climbing stairs and ladders, bending, kneeling, and squatting.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Products (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• At least 21 years of age
• Willingness to travel
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at one time
• Nice to have: being fluent in German

PREFERRED

• Experience in Alcohol Beverage Industry or CPG overall

Other Requirements

• Ability to pick up and/or move objects up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Distinguish flavors through taste and smell
• Ability to work in fumes or airborne particles conditions
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Noise level at work station is moderate (business office with computer printers)
• Ability to work 42.50 hours per week 
• Ability to work overtime if necessary 
• Strong communication skills, ability to read and write, and having strong attention to details
• In-person job attendance onsite is required M-F.