Research And Development Manager

Job Summary:

Candidate must have a solid understanding of Fresh/Shelf Stable Salsas, Sauces or other similar products.

A good match would be someone working in soups, chunky salsas, or tomato based formulated products like pasta sauce, chili sauce, cocktail sauce. They don’t necessarily have to be hot-fill-hold, although that would be ideal, as long as they involve batching formulations similar to our facility rather than liquids like juices.

Will design and develop new ingredients and provide technical support in commercialization of new products. This position works closely with the manufacturing plant and will be responsible for supporting the execution of plant trials for new as well as existing product lines. This role is both strategic and tactical in nature and is for someone who enjoys solving a diverse array of scientific and engineering challenges. The working environment will include office, laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments, and will require some business travel.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Assist with supplier specifications, nominated line forms, technical information and specifications are available and updated on relevant customer databases
• Assist with implementation of the raw materials and finished product sensory and lab testing programs.
• Ensure any out of spec production is escalated for corrective action.
• Assist when needed with the external laboratory to ensure testing is carried out in line with industry standards.
• Assist with implementing the raw materials and finished product sensory and lab testing program.
• Review of lab data and update internal systems and customer specs as required.
• Assist with providing legal information for food labelling ensuring that all packaging meets required labelling regulations.
• Work closely with Marketing and Sales functions to provide legal information for food labelling and specifications to ensure that all packaging meets required labelling regulations
• Work closely with Director of Food Safety to resolve production issues and changes.

·        Promote PCB technical leadership position by ideating, formulating, manufacturing, and presenting new product ideas and technologies to existing and potential customers.

·        Lead customer technical projects and provide technical expertise and support to develop high-quality, cost-effective solutions.

·        Lead client users in formulating, troubleshooting and manufacturing a broad range of foods utilizing PCB solutions.

·        Utilize lab, pilot plant and commercial scale equipment to generate data and develop effective food ingredient solutions.

·        Assume primary technical responsibility of customer interactions, draw out issues with timely responses.

·        Combine insights on technical expertise, the external environment and our customers’ business with a deep understanding of PCB to drive commercially astute business decisions consistent with our strategic objectives.

·        Think creatively, analytically and holistically, employing innate curiosity to explore problems and generate impactful solutions.

·        Effectively question and explore concepts, represents the voice of the customer, adapts and delivers compelling value proposition.

·        Carry out rigorous and high-quality research that elevates PCB customer’s brand as a world-class solutions provider; Clearly and logically plans projects, follows processes and procedures, supports technical trials, analyzes large amounts of data to define the critical issues and make recommendations.

·        Act as an advisor, both internally to drive the direction of PCB and externally to inform thinking and action when solving complex problems.

·        Leverage a deep understanding of stakeholders, partners and customers to influence and collaborate effectively.

·        Identify and seize new opportunities, convert plans into own tactics, monitor and assess progress, takes responsibility to ensure quality and timeliness of deliverables.

·        Lead and develop the technical team by providing a technical framework, expertise, advice and guidance on quality and legal compliance.

·        Build strong working relationships with customers, aligning expectations and delivering against agreed standards of product quality, communication, reporting and audit requirements.

·        Promote and improve food safety and HACCP principles throughout PCB.

·        Manage the technical relationship with customers ensuring that strong and proactive relationships are built.

Education and Experience

·        BS in food science, food engineering, microbiology, chemistry, or related field

·        10 years’ experience in leading R&D teams, innovation projects

·        Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

·        Strong knowledge of Regulatory (GLP and GMP)

·        Strong technical writing skills (procedures, protocols, and reports)

·        Have an existing supplier and partner network to support the identification and quantification of manufacturing facilities to commercialize new products according to brand standards.

·        Prior experience in developing and protecting intellectual property

Qualifications:

·        Fluency in English required

·        Mastery of project management skills with track record of successfully delivering projects on time and in budget

·        Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams

·        Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams

·        support

·        Deep and holistic understanding of the innovation process, from ideation to commercialization

·        Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment, embracing change and uncertainty

·        Demonstrated experience managing of intellectual property creation and portfolio management

·        Experience identifying and scoping opportunities for new products

·        Experience effectively planning and managing to budgets

·        Possess a strong interest in new technology and advances in food science to deliver innovative and competitive solutions.

·        Is a strategic and creative thinker who shows excellent problem-solving and communication skills and is able to network effectively.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

·        Able to stand for prolonged periods of time.

·        Regularly required to talk and hear.

·        Must have good vision and manual dexterity.

·        Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment

·        Walking and climbing stairs

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times
• Adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environment.
• Plant equipment noise is elevated requiring the use of hearing protection and seasonal temperatures can be expected.

EEOC Statement:

Pacific Choice Brands, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, lay off, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.