Purpose of the Position

Assist in development of innovative and creative products that will provide a competitive advantage for Simmons in the marketplace.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Non Exempt position.

Provides kitchen support to all R&D Personnel. Works safely to order, receive, organize, prepare, evaluate, and ship freezer and benchtop samples as needed to meet customer requirements. Shipping samples involves use of online systems, printing, labels, packaging, lifting and strapping up to 50 lb cases into shippers on a daily basis. Provides support in submitting shelf life and nutritional samples, preparing product presentations and group lunches. Collect and present data points on required products to relevant personnel. Responsible for daily, weekly and monthly cleaning of assigned areas. Utilizes PLM & DRL Project management systems to receive direction on sample production and upload product photography.

Provide upkeep and maintenance of kitchen and equipment. Manage daily and regular upkeep and sanitation of the kitchen area.

Maintain cooler, freezer, ingredient and supply room inventory. Coordinate with R&D personnel on removal of excess inventory. Maintain incoming and outgoing ingredient samples via online database.

Coordinate logistics of samples . As needed, meat and sample cases to be ordered and transported from the plants and refrigerated trucks to the home office kitchen for evaluation and preparation. This will require lifting up 40 to 50 lb cases of product from ground level, and moving cases and meat weighing up to 50 lbs in and out of the cooler on a daily basis.

Participates as a member of the R&D Team . Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, goals, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the R&D Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforces actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons operating systems principles and objectives (this competency appears in all job descriptions: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Food Technician and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Must be able to lift up to 50 lb packages multiple times on a daily basis.at. Must be able to work on one's feet for an entire shift.

Technician Uniform : Simmons ball cap/ plain ball cap/bouffant cap, Simmons T-shirts, Jeans (no holes)/Chef pants/Nurse pants and Non-Slip shoes.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in the required environment.

Travel: Travels occasionally to multiple facilities.

Preferred (not required) Industry Experience: Food Processing or Restaurant Experience Minimum Education: High School Diploma

Valid Driver's License : Driving required