They currently have a new opportunity for a Pet R&D Manager – Product Design/Development. This role will initially be located at their Research and Development Center on the West Coast. In early 2017, the role will relocate to a newly built, state-of-the-art Research and Development Center located at the Corporate Campus in the Midwest. They will offer relocation benefits to support the dual locations of this role.
BROAD FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:
The Pet R&D Manager – Product Design/Development, is responsible for the technical leadership and delivery of projects or related programs within the Upstream Innovation Department. As Product Design/Development leader for the Upstream Innovation Department, he/she will be responsible for leading the creation, development, and qualification of new Transformative/Disruptive product innovation (Track 3 Innovation). This leadership role will also be responsible for partnering with Product Research and Process Development peers to define technology platforms and build multi-generation innovation to populate the platform(s) and enable a pipeline of innovation. The scope of this Upstream Innovation role covers pet food, snacks, and other adjacencies and includes multiple brands within the portfolio. He/she will also be responsible for the training, development, and administrative management (i.e. performance evaluation, career planning, etc.) of employees in the Upstream Innovation Product Design/Development group.
PRINCIPAL CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITIES IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:
• Technical leadership and delivery of projects through direct management of assigned staff, and collaboration with cross-discipline Pet R&D colleagues and multi-functional partners.
• Lead technical innovation and development of ‘what’s possible’ product solutions that meet project success criteria and deliver industry-winning innovation.
• Identify and resolve technical, operational, and discipline-specific problems that enable Upstream Innovation projects and/or capabilities.
• Develop tactics and plans to ensure decisions are effectively implemented with a discipline.
• Develop and build technical models that guide current and future product innovation and technology platforms.
• Connect and integrate internal and external innovation capabilities to develop product solutions, build technology platforms, and/or create new capabilities.
• Guide, influence and persuade others either internally in other areas or externally with customers or agencies, and effectively engage senior management and team when needed.
• Determine priorities, define the work, and set expectations for the team in Upstream Innovation Product Design/ Development in order to deliver against the business and Pet R&D objectives.
• Train, develop, and improve the performance of employees in the Upstream Innovation Product Design Development group through coaching, ongoing feedback, and assignment matching.
• Apply understanding of the discipline and how own area contributes to the achievement of objectives.
• Leverage technical mastery to coach and mentor others within the R&D organization.
• Identify and implement Pet R&D work process improvements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: This position requires a BS, MS or PhD in Science (e.g., Food Science, Chemistry, Physics,
Biology, Nutrition, etc.) or Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Biochemical, Food, etc.).
Years of Experience: Depending on degree level and field of study, at least 4 years or more in CPG industry.
Special Requirements:
• Creative and experienced technical leader with a proven track record in technology innovations in the CPG industry.
• Experience in developing and launching consumer products in the Food and/or Pet Food Industries.
• Track record of bankable innovation and experience developing break-through and proprietary innovations.
• Track record of in-depth understanding of complex theories and own discipline and basic knowledge of other disciplines.
• Manage a generally homogeneous team; adapt plans and priorities to meet service and/or operational challenges in a Product Design/Development organization.
• Create a team identity and shared purpose among team members to drive toward a common goal.
• Respond to concerns or objections and shape communication messages to address them.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be passionate and driven, yet flexible and willing to embrace changing business priorities and ambiguity.
• Approximately 15% travel required.
• Must be willing/able to drive a company or rental vehicle as needed.
PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS: Lifting, bending, sitting, carrying, standing.
OTHER: Incumbent may be required to:
• Walk, stand or sit for extended periods
• Work and move freely and safely around manufacturing processes and equipment
• Climb on stairs or ladders.
All applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without requiring sponsorship.
For additional information, please contact Gina Tentzeras, 954-428-3888, or ginat@foodscience.com.