Hannah Tsao
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
I am a motivated and results-driven product development leader with experience managing pet food projects across both dry and wet portfolios. Skilled at driving innovation and collaborating with cross-functional teams to create high-quality products. Comfortable navigating ambiguity and delivering successful outcomes in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Research & Development Scientist II
General Mills Blue Buffalo
04.2022 - Current
- Lead product development for international pet food projects, ensuring compliance with global regulations and standards
- Navigate and managed ambiguity in complex, fast-paced environments, ensuring timely and successful project execution
- Oversee the creation and implementation of processes that meet international requirements while maintaining product quality
Research & Development Scientist II
Hartz Mountain Corporation
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Managed existing formula palatants and acted as key driver for palatability improvements
- Provided a strong contribution to product improvements and innovative product developments
- Served as lead study director and liaison for consumer studies and palatability studies
Research & Development Scientist I
Hartz Mountain Corporation
09.2018 - 03.2021
- Managed, updated, and maintained both raw material and final formula specifications in our product development system
- Invented a new texture for cat food products through rigorous market research and prototype evaluations
- Improved product quality and cost savings by reformulating existing food products
- Cross collaborated with Marketing and Operations teams to launch new products and optimize existing product initiatives
- Lead and analyzed various acceptability, stability and palatability studies across multiple product lines
Research & Development Lab Technician
Hartz Mountain Corporation
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed stability studies on various products to measure shelf life and nutrient stability
- Conducted competitive market research in order to help facilitate product innovation
- Researched and tested survivability of probiotics across multiple food products
- Prepared lab samples for analysis, analyzed experimental data and provided insights for key stakeholders
- Validated product superiority by conducting pet diaper/pad absorption, retention and diffusion testing methods
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ01-2017
Skills
- Innovation development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Interpersonal communication
- Product development
- Laboratory experimentation
- Proficient in Microsoft 365
Timeline
Research & Development Scientist II
General Mills Blue Buffalo
04.2022 - Current
Research & Development Scientist II
Hartz Mountain Corporation
03.2021 - 04.2022
Research & Development Scientist I
Hartz Mountain Corporation
09.2018 - 03.2021
Research & Development Lab Technician
Hartz Mountain Corporation
09.2017 - 09.2018
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Rutgers University
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