Job Description

Nutritionist – Pet Food & Animal Nutrition

Location: St. Joseph County, IN

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: $70,000–$90,000 annually, with potential to reach $100,000–$110,000 for the right candidate

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and analytical Nutritionist to join an established operation in the pet food and animal nutrition industry. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career or developing nutrition professional to apply their knowledge of animal nutrition, feed formulation, and ingredient science while contributing to the development of high-quality pet food products.

The Nutritionist will support the development, evaluation, and implementation of nutritional programs and pet food formulations. Working closely with Quality, Production, and Procurement, this individual will help evaluate feed ingredients, support product development, analyze nutritional data, and ensure products meet established nutritional standards and regulatory requirements.

This position offers meaningful exposure to formulation development, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional collaboration, providing an opportunity to grow professionally within the expanding pet food industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the development, evaluation, and improvement of pet food formulations and nutritional programs.

• Analyze feed ingredients, raw materials, nutritional composition, and ingredient specifications.

• Support product development initiatives and formulation testing.

• Evaluate nutritional data to ensure products meet established quality and nutritional standards.

• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Procurement teams to support product consistency and manufacturing efficiency.

• Conduct industry research on emerging nutritional trends, ingredients, and innovations.

• Assist with monitoring product quality and nutritional performance.

• Maintain accurate formulation records, nutritional documentation, and ingredient specifications.

• Support compliance with applicable animal feed and pet food regulations, including AAFCO guidelines.

• Identify opportunities for ingredient improvements, cost efficiencies, and product enhancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's and Master's degree in Animal Nutrition, Animal Science, Food Science, or a related field.

• 3–5 years of experience in animal nutrition, feed formulation, pet food, or a related industry.

• Foundational understanding of animal nutrition principles and feed formulation.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to interpret nutritional data, ingredient specifications, and formulation requirements.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within the pet food, animal feed, or animal nutrition industry.

• Familiarity with pet food formulation software or feed formulation tools.

• Understanding of pet food manufacturing processes and ingredient sourcing.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to animal feed and pet nutrition, including AAFCO standards.

• Interest in emerging ingredients, nutritional research, and innovations within the pet food industry.

• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.

Compensation & Opportunity

• Base Salary: $70,000–$90,000.

• Exceptional Candidates: Potential compensation of $100,000–$110,000 for the right experience and qualifications.

• Full-time, permanent position.

• Opportunity to expand technical knowledge and develop expertise in pet food formulation and animal nutrition.

• Collaborative environment with exposure to multiple areas of manufacturing and product development.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take your animal nutrition education and industry experience beyond the classroom and into practical product development. You'll have the ability to contribute to nutritional innovation, work alongside experienced professionals, influence product quality, and build a long-term career in the pet food and animal nutrition industry.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.