They currently have a new opportunity for a Pet R&D Manager – Upstream Innovation, Process 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 – Upstream Innovation, Process Development, is responsible for all aspects of Process Development related to the programs and projects within the Upstream Innovation Department. As Process Development leader for the Upstream Innovation Department, he/she will be responsible for leading the development and qualification of new processes (e.g. process design, scale-up) to drive their Transformative/Disruptive product innovation. This leadership role will also be responsible for partnering with Product Development and Product Research peers to define technology platforms and build multi-generation innovation to populate the platform(s) and enable a pipeline of innovation. In addition, this role will work with Technical Operations to plan for future manufacturing processing needs. The scope of this Upstream Innovation role covers pet food, snacks, and other adjacencies and includes multiple brands within the Company’s 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 Process Development group.
PRINCIPAL CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITIES IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE:
• Technical leadership and delivery of Upstream Innovation projects on all aspects of Process Development through direct management of assigned staff and collaboration with cross-discipline Pet R&D colleagues and multi-functional partners.
• Determine priorities, define the work, and set expectations for your employees in the Upstream Innovation Process Development in order to deliver against the business and Pet R&D objectives.
• Connect and integrate internal and external process capabilities to develop solutions, build process platforms, and/or create new capabilities.
• Build, lead and develop a team with expertise in pet food process development and a disciplined CQV (commissioning, qualification, and validation) approach to execution.
• Develop, build, and implement fundamental engineering models that guide current and future process innovation.
• Lead identification, recommendation, and qualification of Process Development capabilities needed to meet project success criteria and deliver industry-winning innovation.
• Identify and creatively resolve complex problems in Upstream Innovation projects and/or capabilities.
• Anticipate issues; develop and recommend product or process improvements accordingly.
• Form a vision for those parts of the business and organization for which you are responsible, and effectively involve senior management and the group.
• Provide technical and business judgments based on mastery and experience that help guide business decisions.
• Identify and implement Pet R&D work process improvements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: This position requires a BS, MS or PhD in Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Biochemical, Food, etc.).
Years of Experience: Depending on degree, at least 4 years or more in CPG industry.
Special Requirements:
• Creative technical leader and experienced project manager with a solid engineering background and an impressive track record in Process Development for FMCG or Food manufacturing sectors.
• Must have broad experience in developing and launching consumer products in the food and pet food Industries.
• Track record of applying technical mastery to solve complex problems.
• Proven track record of bankable innovation and experience developing break-through and proprietary innovations.
• Experience leading/managing a Process Development organization.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience partnering with other functions to deliver results.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders across functions.
• 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.
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.