Job Description

Central Garden & Pet Company’s Pet Segment is seeking a Food Scientist I to lead research and product development for natural animal parts and consumable pet chew products. This role requires expertise in food science and product development, with responsibilities spanning product ideation to production, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards, and confidently applying industry knowledge in a collaborative setting.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Vendors to develop and review product concepts.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams to establish specifications and commercialize products.
• Review packaging and artwork for compliance with weight, ingredients, guaranteed analysis, claims, and regulatory guidelines.
• Support formula development and ingredient analysis.
• Conduct analytical tests, ensuring product quality through in-house and third-party lab verifications.
• Track and interpret food industry trends within both pet and consumer markets.
• Contribute unique ideas for new products and product enhancements.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of FDA, USDA, and AAFCO regulations.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Fundamental knowledge of food regulations.
• Competency in data collection and analysis.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive in taking on responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2022 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry~Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central Garden & Pet is based in Walnut Creek, California and has over 7,000 employees across North America and Europe. Visit to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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