Nutrition and Formulation Specialist

The target location for this role is Land O’Lakes Corporate Headquarters in Arden Hills, MN, however this position can be remote (virtual) and located anywhere in the USA

This Nutrition and Formulation Specialist position is responsible for managing the technical services of the LabDiet® business.  Objectives will be established to meet various business and personal goals.  The position includes a wide scope of activities including but not limited to: formulating diets (TestDiet®) for use in biomedical research studies, creating and managing information databases (ingredient/diet within and outside of formulation software, specification sheets, necessary forms), virtual communication and consultation with researchers, aiding with pricing of TestDiet® products, working extensively with Richmond, IN manufacturing and company formulation teams, working closely with our Account Managers and distributors, solving problems, all in the effort to protect current business and prospect new business by accurately and professionally detailing the company and product line features and benefits.

Primary: Formulate custom diets for TestDiet®, manage business-critical databases, learn the manufacturing process at both Richmond facilities, support the LabDiet® business in a multitude of tasks.  Formulate and manage LabDiet® formulas in concert with the LabDiet® business and learn and explain the product line features and benefits to individuals as well as small and large groups. 

• Work behind-the-scenes formulating TestDiet® products daily.  Work to grow the sales of LabDiet®/TestDiet® products to customers utilizing the sales histories of various markets, trends and projections, market intel, technical support, customer profiles, marketing plans

• Provide nutritional oversight and consultation to colleagues and customers

• Develop, maintain, and use various business-critical database tools

• Gain full knowledge of the products, ingredients used, formulation process and industry information regarding laboratory animal nutrition.

• Fully embrace the manufacturing process with the ability to accurately provide explicit detail to all levels in the customer base either via direct communication or group presentations at individual facilities or industry conferences.

• Respond to customer inquiries, problems, questions, and concerns in a timely, appropriate and positive manner.

• Learn and understand customer base to support biomedical research advancements.

• Learn and explain the product line features and benefits to individuals as well as small and large groups. 

• Creatively manage the position out of home office

• Utilize non-travel time at home to formulate TestDiet® products; facilitate communications with colleagues, customers, distributors, manufacturing staff.

• Collaborate with cross-functional groups within and outside of company

• Maintain competitor and industry knowledge.

• Conduct competitor analysis – ongoing process.

• Attend trade shows/conventions as assigned

• Have a keen business sense, experienced business acumen and the ability to handle customer complaints, objections, and challenges seamlessly.

• Must be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner.

• Must be detail-oriented and discerning

Requirements:

• Required: Masters level degree in Animal Science related field (e.g., Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Agricultural Engineering, Wildlife Sciences, Business Management)

• Required:  Self-starting, detail-oriented, able to work independently for long periods of time

• Required:  Proficient in public speaking and presentations to a wide range of audiences and groups.

• Required:  Proficient in English speaking and writing.

• Desired:  Strong computer skills including database technologies (Excel, Power BI)

• Desired:  Experience with diet formulation

• Desired:  2 Years of experience in Animal Science Field or Technical Services or Science related area.

• Desired:  Management in Animal Nutrition, Biomedical Research or related science

• Travel on an average of 15% annually (more in first year)

• Strong communication skills -- professional e-mails and phone conversations, public speaking, presentations, and article writing

• Ability to lecture in a convincing and articulate manner to groups of various sizes as well as one-on-one setting

The salary range for this role is $77,280 - $115,920

As a full time employee, you will receive a wide range of benefits for you and your dependents:

·        3 medical plan choices including HSA plan options

·        Vision & dental plan

·        Company paid Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability, parental leave, caregiver leave and emergency leave

·        401(k) plan with company match and additional automatic contribution regardless of participation

·        Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Employee Assistance Program

·        Wellness program focused on Physical, Financial and Emotional Health with opportunity for cash incentives

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.