R&D Manager

Description:

The R&D Product Development (PD) Manager is a subject matter expert in the field of chocolate, chocolate process and applications focused on assessing, developing and implementing new product concepts, proprietary blends and process technologies for the cocoa and chocolate markets. The primary responsibility of this position is strategically focused to secure new business by partnering with Sales to align/create company capabilities to meet customer specification. Additionally, the R&D PD Manager role is to develop R&D individuals on staff; plus establish, foster, and monitor performance expectations; define key performance goals, evaluate and provide feedback, set an example of company core values and ensure staff works in an efficient and safe manner. This role promotes, aligns, and leads site teams to drive technical service support for external and internal stakeholders. The R&D PD Manager strategically leverages internal stakeholder partnerships, comprehends complex problems and presents prioritized solutions, leads full commercialization scope of products, and helps customers in successful application of our products.

• Manage technical customer support and R&D relationship development through on-site troubleshooting, technical training and presenting creative solutions

• Maintain effective communication internally and externally on the status of new products, ongoing activities, upcoming projects, trial runs, sample generation, research results and other pertinent information. Inform Sales and internal staff regarding any problems being incurred by customers and resulting action plan

• Establish and monitor performance expectations for R&D staff by defining key performance goals, evaluating performance and providing feedback. When applicable, manage interviewing, hiring and training for departmental staff

• Manage site product development activities. Aligns team resources and priorities associated with key initiatives and reports on product development monthly metrics. Manage planning, implementation, and execution of process changes and project activity at site associated with targeted key accounts to support sales growth and key productivity initiatives. Collaborate with site internal stakeholders including, but not limited to, Quality and Operations for problem solving internal processing issues and technical challenges

• Develop and measure appropriate physical parameters of product based on customer needs and submit sample to customer. Develop and issue formula and nutritional to costing for pricing; evaluate current product formulations for optimal usage of raw ingredients; consider potential reformulations of ingredients and/or ingredient substitutions

• Maintain database system of R&D products, projects, open work requests that can be accessed by R&D Sr.Management to understand scope of work activities. Maintain site product portfolio book and work with cross functional teams to perform routine rationalization and gap analysis

• This position reports to the Corporate R&D Manager, primary focus of this role and the reporting team is on new Product Development

Skills:

Food science, Laboratory, R&D, GMP, Biology, FDA, Food safety, New product development, Research & development, formulation

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

BS or higher in Food Science or other related science major

5+yrs of experience in R&D Food Manufacturing (should come from a leadership or group lead role)

Experience working with Kitchen and Confection equipment (mixer, oven, baking equipment)

Must be able to taste chocolate and chocolate products

Experience working with customers to formulate new products (i.e. texture, taste, notes, etc.)

Experience with lab testing such as viscosity, particle size, color and bench top/pilot scale equipment

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent

• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.