Sr Manager, R&D Pet Nutrition & Ingredient Technology, Post Nutrition
Specs:
Responsibilities:
The Pet R&D Nutrition, Ingredient Technology and Analytical Sr Manager is responsible for managing and leading a team ensuring the best nutrition for Dog/Cat Food (Wet and Dry) and treats products initiatives. This leadership role will be responsible for identifying the best ingredients, defining the wholesome nutrition requirements, and confirming the nutritive quality and performance of our products for Innovation, Renovation, Design to Value, as well as Business Continuity initiatives in the Pet Business. This position will report to the Sr Director, Research & Development for Pet.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leading and developing a team of R&D technologists and scientists to:
Develop quality nutritious ingredients free of foreign materials and ensure our formulation database is up to date and accurate.
Continuously upgrade nutrition guidelines and ensure our products and their claims meet and exceed regulatory
Build and maintain analytical laboratories
Establish success criteria, tools, and test methods to guide the quality and performance of our
Leveraging mastery of Pet Food, Nutrition and regulations to influence, inform & guide projects and business partners (internal and external).
Building strong, collaborative relationships within Pet R&D and with cross-functional partners, influence & guide stakeholders, anticipate challenges, and proactively plan to address them.
Taking ownership of decisions and broad implications. Appropriately challenging decisions and taking calculated risks within own decision-making authority to improve products and systems.
Determining priorities, defining the work, and setting expectations for team members to deliver against the business and Pet R&D objectives.
Fostering a culture of innovation and training, developing, and improving the performance of employees within his/her team
Is this the Role for You?
Are you a driven professional with a passion for delivering results while expanding your skillset and enhancing your expertise? Are you eager to share your opinions (and have them heard) and make a positive impact through your work? Do you share in our dedication to outstanding products, continuous improvement and growth? If so, you are the type of professional we want to add to our Company!
Qualifications:
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math
EXPERIENCE:
8+ years of relevant experience in R&D or Technical Services
2+ years’ experience in the Food Industry required. Experience in Pet Food/Snacks desired.
Familiarity with food ingredients, nutrients and regulatory compliance
Demonstrated people management and team building skills required
Strong collaboration skills and experience partnering internally
Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders within and outside the Company
Ability to thrive in a changing and fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously
Willingness to embrace changing business priorities
Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, scientific methods, and analysis/interpretation of data
Ability to prioritize projects
Job location is in Lakeville MN. Up to 25% Travel may be required.
Currently the role does offer a hybrid work