Responsible for managing the technical activity required for creating and launching new products, manufacturing improvements and cost savings with direct responsibility for the category assigned. The manager leads the R&D team, evaluates plans, directs, executes, implements, and reports on all activities related to the development of products in assigned category. This position carries with it the responsibility to mentor team members and grow their capabilities for contributing to the organization while coordinating and managing the efforts of the complete R&D team.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Research and Development

Job Posting Title:

Research & Development Manager

Job Description:

Position Responsibilities:

• Manage the R&D staff in the technical aspects of product development on assigned product category through the investigation, planning, execution, evaluating and reporting on new product development, product improvements and troubleshooting projects

• Act as technical consultant to all operating units of the company on formulation and processing issues

• Manage and assist R&D team on assigned product category to ensure completion of the department's high priority projects and critical non-projects work

• Advise, direct, coach, inspire and review progress to create a cohesive team environment

• Work with cross-functional team members to ensure product development efforts are compatible and beneficial to the manufacturing capabilities, strategic business objectives, ensure food safety and properly follow food standards

• Serve as the technical lead on stage gate, project pipeline review and prioritization systems

• Stay apprised of new ingredient technologies used in the industry and disseminate to team members

• Challenge the status quo to drive continuous improvement for both work processes and general organization

• Present products to customers through in-person direct-selling customer product presentations

Qualifications, Requirements & Preferred Attributes:

• Eight years' experience in Food Product Development plus a minimum of 2 years successfully managing others

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Engineering or related field required. Master's Degree in Food Science/Engineering or related field preferred

• Proven ability to effectively communicate to customers and all levels of the organization they interact with

• Ability to lead and influence decisions to drive business goals

• Exceptional multi-tasking and project management skills

• Solid technical & troubleshooting skills

• Demonstrated ability to develop high-performing talent within a technical function

• Desire and aptitude to improve organizational performance by fostering a positive work environment

• Ability to travel up to 25% with no destination restriction

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Winland Foods is a leading private label food manufacturer of pasta, dry dinners, condiments, syrups, and more with nearly 3,000 employees operating out of 14 production facilities in US, Canada, and Italy.

As a 'newly' established company, we are creating the building blocks for an innovative and agile organization that is purpose driven - delivering high quality food to our customers and communities. We foster an environment that encourages all employees to be heard, and values their contributions and ideas.

By joining Winland Foods, you become a part of a new team that values passion, collaboration, and strives to prosper with our customers.

To all recruitment agencies: Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.