SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Director, Research & Development helps enable Client company’s growth by working to ensure that our products meet quality, regulatory, and brand requirements. This position utilizes educational background, professional experience, scientific method, creativity, and logic to lead the development of new products and revitalization of core products for Ready-to-Drink (RTD) formats.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Design and develop products under the RTD platform which includes new items, optimizations, and cost savings from ideation through commercialization, that meet product guidelines.
• Execute materials and experiments, gather and analyze data, develop preliminary findings, prepare and present written conclusive reports and summaries to supervisor for projects.
• Lead and manage all R&D duties throughout product lifecycle which also includes plant trial testing, cross-functional product cuttings and communication, sensory testing, and shelf life.
• Lead the investigation and execution of novel technologies, such as new ingredients or product platforms as needed.
• In partnership with the Vice President, Research & Development, develop best practices to support efficient and optimal R&D functioning which includes lab management, standard operating procedures, shelf life, and sensory testing techniques.
• In partnership with the Vice President, Research & Development, establish and execute best ways of working, agile innovation, rapid prototyping, and decision-making tools, to develop, scale, and launch multiple products into new categories.
• Drive cost savings as a leader and partner to support company profits.
• Set individual goals for improving and expanding on everyday job functions, as well as on the greater social and environmental aspects of your work. We expect that you remain accountable to these goals and report your progress in performance reviews.
• Adhere to Client company’s environmental policies, including our environmental purchasing and recycling policies.
• Encourage team members’ progress to their individual goals and facilitate group goal-setting for social and environmental performance consistent with Client company’s growth program.
• Coach/lead and provide interpersonal relationship development for all direct reports. Key activities include:
Creation of an environment to provide formal and informal feedback; coaching to assist in growth of career and key competencies;
Providing day-to-day guidance and problem-solving;
Identifying and selecting team members; and
Driving high-performance management with clear measures of success.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.

**If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Kristine O'Sullivan at kosullivan@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  174.24KO
#LI-KO1

EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree in food science or equivalent required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience with 5 years of formulation and commercialization of high protein (dairy or plant), aseptic RTD experience.
• Working knowledge of bench top analytical and physical testing equipment and methods, including scales, pH meters, viscometers, and moisture analyzer.
• Strong computer skills, especially working with nutritional software, spreadsheets, and quality systems. Experience with Excel, ESHA Genesis, project management software, and/or Trace Gains preferred.
• Good laboratory practices including organized data documentation and presentation, attention to detail, and ability to develop and follow batch protocols.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting sensory evaluations and drawing conclusions to navigate development.
• Ability to design valid tests and draw conclusions.
• Ability to lead and manage others effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple activities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to identify critical path items and risks, and effectively communicate these to the broader team.
• Ability to work collaboratively across levels and functions internally and with third parties.
• Self-directed with a demonstrated sense of accountability.
• Ability to adapt to the changing needs of a dynamic growth-oriented business.
• Effective leadership, teamwork and organizational skills.

**If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Kristine O'Sullivan at kosullivan@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  174.24KO
#LI-KO1