Manager, Research & Development

Your Opportunity as the Manager, Pet Research & Development Responsible for managing and leading a high performing hybrid team of product developers and engineers for our Soft & Chewy Dog Snacks. This leadership role will be responsible for identifying, defining, formulating, developing, and commissioning / qualification of product and processing capabilities & technologies for Innovation (study request through launch), Renovation, Design to Value, as well as Business Continuity initiatives in the Pet Business. Location: Orrville, OH Work Arrangements: hybrid, 50% or more in office expectations with 20% travel anually In this role you will: - Lead and develop a team of R&D product developers and process engineers at various levels to deliver & launch new product initiatives and refining existing products and processes focused primarily on Soft & Chewy Dog Snacks. - Translate consumers', customers', and projects' needs to objectives, learning plan and success criteria. - Build, coach, and support the development of direct reports on technologies, tools, methods, and approaches for formulation and process development, validation and qualification. This includes, but not limited to: Technical Learning Plan, Experimental Design, Product Brief, Technical Readiness, Product Specifications, Process Capability, etc. - Leverage mastery of Food Science and Food Processing technologies to influence, inform & guide projects and business partners (internal and external). - Build strong, collaborative relationships within Pet R&D and with cross-functional partners (Packaging, Analytical, Quality, Co-man, Operations, TSO, Brand, Innovation, Regulatory/Legal, Finance, etc). Influence & guide stakeholders utilizing data to drive recommendations. - Understand Pet R&D and Enterprise-wide strategy to anticipate challenges and proactively develop mitigation plans to address. - Determine priorities, define the work, manage resource allocation, and set expectations for team members to deliver against the business and Pet R&D objectives. - Take ownership of decisions and broad implications. Appropriately challenge decisions and take calculated risks within own decision-making authority to improve performance, utilizing various types of data/inputs. What we are looking for: Minimum requirements: - BS, MS or Ph.D in Food Science, Engineering, or related field - 7+ years of relevant experience in R&D or Technical Services in the Food Industry - Experience in Extrusion, Baking, or Dehydration processes - Strong collaboration skills and experience partnering internally and externally - Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders both internal and external to the Company - Ability to thrive in a changing and fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously - Willing to embrace changing business priorities and ambiguity - Strong leadership skills and demonstrated skills in critical thinking, scientific methods, and analysis/interpretation of data - Ability to prioritize projects and resources - Up to 20% Travel required #LI-KK1 #INSDA TheRight Placefor You We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs , and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Stay connected with uson LinkedIn We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants