Job Description

Full Job Description

Imagine...working for a company that knows that its people are the key to its success in the marketplace. A company in which achieving extraordinary results and having a stimulating work experience are part of the same process.

We cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture.

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team oriented environment, likes to be challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference.

General Summary:

Director of Research & Development leading a multifunctional team to deliver Innovation, Profit Improvement and Business Continuity. This role includes Strategic Leadership to drive all aspects of business support through Product Strategy, Innovation, Margin Management and Capacity Expansion. The Director position is part of the M&B Leadership team as well as the Pacific Leadership Team.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for leading Innovation (concept through commercialization) to drive double digit topline growth for the Pacific business.

• Support Capacity Expansion Initiatives working closely with internal and external manufacturing partners.

• Develop organization capability (team, technical expertise, facility)

• Manage R&D office, bench, and pilot facilities inclusive of maintenance, security, ingredient inventories, shipping/ receiving, and finished product control inventories.

• Responsible for R&D annual operating budget and R&D capacity expansion budget

• Identify New Technology to drive advancements in Innovation, Product Quality, Margin improvement

• Partner with Marketing, Insights, Operations, Finance, Sales, and Quality to deliver technical readiness and commercial excellence when launching new products or improving existing products

• Identify & Assess co-manufacturers for capabilities to provide current and future growth, along with execution of PDA’s when appropriate

• Translate Consumer and Market Insights to create Innovative leading products for food and beverage

• Ensure Food Safety and Quality protocols are specified and followed for existing and new products

Secondary Functions

• Maintain benchmarking practices for the testing of competitive products with action plans to address quality gaps

• Assist with consumer and customer information and address any issues related to product quality

• Organize working environment to accommodate development activities

• As an employee of a food manufacturing facility, you are responsible for ensuring food safety and quality by reporting any concerns to the quality assurance department.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory responsibilities:

Direct Reports 5

Team 12

Direct all activities and the staff of the Research and Development department. Carry out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include budgeting, interviewing, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in New Product Commercialization across various product categories

• Recognized as a collaborator, role model, and a leader by peers and others

• Strong business acumen and proven ability to contribute to strategic business decisions

• In-depth technical knowledge in the composition and functionality of food systems

• Ability to develop long-term plans, strategies, initiatives, and programs

• Proven ability to lead Strategic Innovation, managing the front-end process resulting in commercialized new products and packaging.

• Demonstrated ability to form seamless business partnerships and influence outcomes with cross functional leaders

• Demonstrated ability to manage through ambiguity, take calculated risks based on sound technical options, and offer innovative solutions to increase the value and magnitude of the business opportunity

• Excellent computer skills, with an advanced understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Optiva, ELN and DOC and the ability to quickly learn new systems

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize competing demands

• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and mentoring skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels in the departments and company

• Requires frequent use of discretion, decision-making, creativity, problem solving, basic and advanced math and exercise of independent judgement

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English

• Physical activities require standing, walking, bending, and some lifting

• Physical ability to taste test all products

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent specializing in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field.
• 15 years of relevant experience in product development of food/beverage products.
• 10 years of progressive management experience.

Working conditions:

Work is typically performed during the day in a lab or production environment and involves the use of office equipment, such as computers and telephones. At times travel will be required. The role supports a 24/7 operation and may be required to work off hours to support production test runs.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.