Sr. Manager, R&D

Company: Ajinomoto Foods North America
Location: Ontario
Posted on: September 19, 2023

Job Description:

Overview This position is responsible for leading the R&D team to develop innovative strategies and creative solutions to achieve business objectives. The Sr. Manager will focus on long-term success of the team and its projects, establishing team goals, monitoring progress or each project, and provided technical expertise to ensure that each project are delivered in compliance with company and regulatory standards. Additionally, the Sr. Manager will identify opportunities for growth and improvement, and provide leadership guidance to ensure that team members are motivated and productive.
Responsibilities
R&D Project Management
The individual will oversee a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to managing multiple projects, developing new products, implementing ongoing quality improvement measures, transferring production, enhancing profitability, and advancing technology within the assigned product category.
Is responsible for overseeing project execution and collaborating with cross-functional departments to ensure successful outcomes.
Develops a comprehensive strategy for the advancement of specialty products and technology, with a focus on enhancing profitability. Presents the strategy and execution plan to the Director or Senior Director for review and approval.
Innovation and Quality Improvement
:
Oversees the development of new products and ensures that quality is consistently improved to align with the company's or customers' specifications; by judiciously allocating resources such as ingredients, production tools, processes, and personnel, this is possible.
Works alongside sales, marketing, and service customer representatives to provide guidance on new product requirements and specifications, target product excellence, and customer grievances.
Oversees and actively participates in various facets of product development, including but not limited to conducting cost analyses, designing packaging, coordinating photo shoots, and engaging in research and development initiatives.
Develops innovative product samples for internal testing and to furnish prototypes for prospective clients.
Leads rigorous product testing in a state-of-the-art test kitchen, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques to develop precise processing methods. Finalizes these procedures through comprehensive CP tests in the production plant.
Consistently engages in meetings with vendors to procure and deliberate on new product ingredients and packaging.
Creates and executes methodologies and protocols to oversee projects, including the compilation of financial records, research outcomes, advancement updates, and personnel meetings to apprise leadership of project status.
Adheres to the NPI protocol and formulates recipes, processes, production product control sheets, and production method procedures for endorsement in product evaluation.
As a technical support specialist, they are responsible for leading the presentation of new technology and goods to our customers. This involves providing technical assistance upon request from the marketing department.
Technology Advancement:
Creates technology development strategy in assigned category from long term view.
Researches and develops methods and processes to improve quality of foods such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods.
Confers with process engineers, flavor experts, and packaging and marketing specialists to develop core technology in AFNA.
Product Transfers:
Contributes to planning, strategizing, and coordinating production transfer projects.
Helps manage all related department's efforts in executing and performing product transfers.
Profit Improvement:
Creates profitable improvement plan of assigned product category from the view of reformulating, simplifying process, material consolidation, then proposes to cross-functional departments.
Analyze cost saving strategies, while identifying where cost reductions can be achieved, creating and implementing cost saving plans, and monitoring results to ensure targets are met.
Prioritizes profit improvement plans and executes to contribute total deliver cost goals .
Team Member Education and Training:
Utilizing data will provide feedback and evaluate team performance
Provide guidance, education, and training opportunities to team members.
Provide feedback and ideas to support innovation and growth
Ensure the safety and compliance of the research and development process.
Other Miscellaneous:
Able to perform other tasks that are directly or indirectly related to the above responsibilities like sample shipments, presentations, tests, demos, and so forth in order to achieve departmental and company goals.
Qualifications
8-10 ten years of demonstrated accomplishments in product development, preferably in a multi sales channel environment. Value-added Frozen Foods experience is a plus but not a requirement for the position.
B.S. in Food Science or a related technical degree is required.
Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with individuals at all levels within the organization and outside the organization.
Needs to be a self-starter, goal-oriented, focused and flexible Must be computer literate
Must have a valid driver's license
Culinary Experience is a plus
Must be willing to taste food products including food animal products.
Should be open and available to travel an average of 25% annually dependent on business a project needs.
Pay range $120,000 to $140,000
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Keywords: Ajinomoto Foods North America, Ontario , Sr. Manager, R&D, Executive , Ontario, California