Sr. Manager Product Development

Manages the development of new products that will facilitate the growth of sales and profits for the company.  Provides strategic direction on current and future efforts in Product Development and Innovation.  Protects and grows/expands core products, leverage co-packers, utilizes new ingredients and technologies to provide the solutions needed.  Ensures product development assets are strategically deployed and are fully effective in meeting requirements.  Position reports directly to the Vice President of Product Innovation, Development & Quality.

• Provides growth opportunities on the core business and works cross functionally with the NPD team.
• Manages the development of new products / formulation work including that with Co packers achieving the lowest possible cost. Develops cost saving opportunities.
• Researches new ingredients, technologies, processes and products. Creates innovative products for unmet consumer needs.  Solves problems and technical concerns. 
• Defines, develops, organizes, supervises and coordinate the projects to support applicable business groups. Schedules and prioritizes the activities of the groups.
• Works with marketing to develop the new product strategy and pipeline. Guides efforts in identifying new product opportunities and markets.
• Works directly with the plant/coman to improve processes and efficiencies of core product and innovation.
• Communicates progress of development to management and recommends the addition, expansion or termination of project work within the NPD process.
• Oversees the technical training and professional development of the business groups.
• Manages the departmental budget.
• Manages product development as performed by external resources.
• Implements NPD processes and process improvement initiatives.
• Directs product shelf-life programs.
• Manages Specification development and ensures accurate documentation of products and specifications.
• Acts as liaison with Regulatory and Packaging to ensure products are consistent with company requirements.
• Manages evaluations of competitive products.
• Responsible for reporting any and all food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action and facilitate solutions.

SUPERVISION
This is a Supervisory position with oversight of 2 Scientists

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Sam Kovacevic at skova@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  82.25KK
#LI-SK3

Salary

$160,000 - $190,000

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision & Long-Term Disability

Technical Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in food science preferred, Bachelor’s degree required
• 15 plus years of experience with at least 5 years of research management and 5 years of product development in major food company or a consumer product goods company
• Travel as needed – estimated 60% between plant, coman, Corp. lab. (Mostly Chicago Area)

Competencies – Some of the most common competencies are:  Analytical Skills, Strategic Thinking, Forward Thinking, Project Management, Presentation Skills, Communications – written and oral, Teamwork, Business Acumen, Cost Consciousness, Change Management, Leadership, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Skills, Language Skills, Reasoning Ability, Customer Service, Mathematical Skills, Innovation, and Creativity.

Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others, inspires and motives others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and options of others.

Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions.  Demonstrates knowledge of market, company financials and competition.  Aligns work with strategic goals.

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals.  Understands organization’s strengths and weaknesses.  Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.  Develops alternative solutions.  Works well in group problem-solving situations.

Team Work/Building Partnerships – Balances team and individual responsibilities.  Develops and leverages relationships within and across work groups both internally and externally to achieve results.  Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.  Gives and welcomes feedback.  Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Innovation and Creativity – Develops and understands new insights.  Questions conventional approaches.  Encourages new ideas and innovations.  Designs and implements new programs and processes and cutting edge products.

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Sam Kovacevic at skova@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  82.25KK
#LI-SK3