R&D Technical Manager - Enterprise Cheese

R&D Technical Manager - Enterprise Cheese

The Technical Manager will lead our Cheese Technologist team, providing both people leadership and technical expertise.

As part of a fully integrated cross-functional team, the Technical Manager will collaborate closely with Packaging R&D, Processing R&D, Culinary, Tech Services, Sourcing, Quality, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations.

This role is dual focused on project execution, ensuring the successful delivery of key development projects and generating a pipeline of new ideas, as well as people leadership, including onboarding, development opportunities, project guidance, and performance reviews.

The Technical Manager will oversee five technologist direct reports across both the Natural and Process Cheese & Sauces teams.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES


* Act as a key Product R&D resource for one or more business units


* Develop product from benchtop through commercialization to meet customer/consumer requirements


* Build strong relationships with key functional partners in order to support new product launches and other key initiatives


* Proactively lead collaboration with cross-functional partners to determine product innovation and cost savings opportunities


* Conduct and/or manage benchtop, pilot plant, plant trials and lab testing, and analyses to validate and advance technical/product opportunities


* Provide effective communication and documentation of work (including technical testing plans, plant trial and lab reports, specifications, ELN, and team updates)


* Apply scientific principles and statistics to solve problems and make data-based decisions


* Build and leverage depth of food science knowledge to drive innovation and margin improvements


* Collaborate and influence both internally and externally


* Provide coaching and technical guidance for employees while helping to remove project hurdles


* Understand employee's IDPs and provide development opportunities


* Provide feedback on employees' performances (both informal and formal feedback)


* Navigate unique dynamics of both Natural and Process Cheese teams and their projects


* Help develop a culture of innovation and technical rigor within R&D


* Fully onboard new employees, as needed


* Assist Process Cheese & Sauces Manager in determining project support capacity in P2P

QUALIFICATIONS


* Bachelor's degree, or higher, in Food Science or relevant degree - required


* Master's degree - preferred


* 5 or more years related work experience - required.


* Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites to include Word, Excel and Powerpoint - required


* Power BI and Minitab system experience - preferred


* People leadership experience is highly preferred


* Technical knowledge of Process Cheese and/or strong desire to expand product knowledge


* Ability to lead multiple projects in a cross-functional environment while delivering signif...