The role of a Product Introduction Manager is crucial in the development and commercialization of new and modified food products. The person fulfilling this role will utilize their technical knowledge and expertise to effectively manage the planning, organization, and coordination of Commercial Plant Testing. They will be responsible for developing in-plant processes, conducting equipment and ingredient testing, and improving manufacturing efficiencies while also working towards reducing costs.

New and Revised Product Introduction

• Responsible for effective CP tests in support of new or revised product development.
• Communicate effectively with R&D, Production, Quality Assurance, and other departments to resolve issues and ensure smooth commercialization of new or revised products.
• Create accurate production cost evaluations for new or revised products in cooperation with operations and other relevant teams.
• Create and maintain accurate product Bills of Materials, routings, Flow Charts, and process control documentation for new and current products in compliance with ISO/SQF and other applicable management systems.

Projects: Process Development, Continuous Improvement

• Develop new processes when needed in cooperation with R&D, production, and engineering teams, utilizing technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, people, and existing processes.
• Develop and maintain industry expertise in support of new and existing processes.
• Oversee testing and analysis of replacement or alternate raw and packaging materials to support cost reduction and stable supply initiatives.
• Ensure proper communication of process and product changes.
• May travel to other facilities to support product development, product transfer, process improvement, and cost-down projects.

Quality and Consistency of Existing Products

• Promote cooperation with R&D and QA departments to establish product quality specifications, equipment, process specifications, and testing requirements for process control for new and existing products.
• Communicate sensory and technical directions to production to ensure consistency of product quality as necessary to establish regular ongoing quality performance on production lines.
• Ensure ongoing technical and quality-related training of production employees.
• Assist with root cause analysis for non-conforming products as necessary. Make suggestions for corrective actions.

This position will be responsible for supporting product introduction processes and new product CP test processes.

• Food Manufacturing Experience (> 2 years) – Preferably in Value-added Frozen Foods• Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) from a four-year college or university in food science or related discipline • 2-4 years of demonstrated accomplishments in product development, preferably in a multi-sales channel environment or equivalent combination of education and experience • Project Management Experience (2-4 years)• Process Design Experience and Processing Equipment Familiarity• Production test Design, Execution, and Analysis Experience (SPC or similar Preferred)• Able and willing to travel for training, testing, and meetings

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend, and move about the work environment, plants, or offices. The employee is required to reach with hands and arms, climb, or balance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Lifting requirements are up to 75 lbs. Exposure to loud industrial-type environments is commonly found at plants—varied temperatures from hot and humid to very cold.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.