Location

Relocation

Description

Product Development Manager - Seasonings, Spices and Sauces

Summary

Our client is an international seasonings and sauce manufacturer based in North of Chicago. They have a plant in the US, a plant in Europe and a track record of creating impactful savory seasonings and specialty sauces/gravies. They have a state-of-the-art lab in IL and will manage a small team of R&D professionals in Northern Chicago.

The Product Development Manager/Director will reporting to the General Manager and lead development and applications of Seasonings blend and savory sauces. The PD Manager will establish, maintain, and drive best practices in customer intimacy and technical execution. S/he will provide leadership for creation of market preferred products, leveraging companies’ innovation and corporate technical resources. The PD Manager will be responsible for substantial direct industrial customer contact and involvement with internal business partners and customers within company.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assure the R&D team delivers seasonings solutions in a cost-effective manner while driving technical insulation to provide competitive advantage in the market place
• Design and execute project plans that deliver appropriate business return for our product development investment
• Lead team of 2-3 Food Scientists, providing direction and collaborative support to set standards of practice for world class customer engagement and technical excellence
• Advance the technical competency within the division through employee mentoring & coaching, as well as continued personal development
• Actively network within the industry to stay current with the latest technology advances, customer requirements and consumer trends
• Manage technical engagement and resource utilization to meet USIG ROI targets and objectives for account growth and new product launches
• Partner closely with Leadership, at various levels, to assure growth and development of technical staff

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS
• Must have at least a BS Degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field
• Must have a minimum of 6 to 10 years of R&D/Product Development experience with industrial seasonings, sauces, and/or savory ingredients
• Must have a minimum of 3 years experience managing / supervising R&D/Product Development professionals
• Must have a strong Food Science background in industrial product development, preferably with a focus on seasonings, “wet and dry” marinades, liquid products or seasonings used in snacks, meats etc.
• Must have excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Must have experience solving complex technical challenges to deliver both market preferred ingredients and excellent functionality
• Business acumen and ability to manage resources and expectations to deliver appropriate ROI is required
• Must have an engaging “hands on” management style
• Must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable to effectively manage challenging situations
• Should have experience leading and following simultaneously
• Must have a strong business acumen and intuitive understanding of how to productively navigate within and adjust to various corporate cultures
• Should have a working knowledge of business metrics and financials
• Must have a willingness and ability to travel occasionally

In return, they can offer a very competitive base, bonus potential, excellent benefits, and ample opportunity for future career growth! Please send resume to; jobs@foodemplyment.com or call 239-839-2914.