RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Purpose/Scope of Position

This position is responsible for food product development from origination through market ready products. They will oversee all thing related to R&D (research, testing, data gathering and analysis, reporting, presentations, recommendations, etc.). Understanding the “why” in relation to their role(s) so customers know “why” they are buying great milk products.

Responsibilities/Duties (inclusive of but not limited to):

• Cultivate forward thinking ideas, products and team members
• Evaluate current portfolio of products to determine areas of improvement
• Independently work to develop department goals, budgets, protocols, SOP’s and all other areas needed to develop and manage a functioning department.
• Identifies and executes key quality, stability, and safety testing protocols.
• Vendor relationships- source and maintain relationships for needed ingredients and packaging.
• Builds key relationships with team members and key leaders for successful communications in all areas relating to the job.
• Develop new employees in R&D department through effective training programs.
• Other duties as assigned

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Licenses, Certification, Etc.

• Maintain certification in all areas required by FDA

Education/Training

• Master’s degree in related field (required)
• Research and/or innovation management: 5 years (Preferred)
• Research and innovation 4 years (Required)

Salary

• Commensurate with experience

Skills

• Participate in cross-functional teams as required to advance the business interests of HDM.
• Ability to understand and comply with all company and regulatory policies/guidelines relating to general safety, food safety and quality.
• Awareness of consumer trends in ingredients and nutrition.
• Experience with food safety, HACCP, and quality regulations and programs required.
• Passionate and driven to create, prototype, develop and commercialization of ideas.
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Operate all department equipment per published/ current process specifications.
• Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising where necessary; promptly share relevant information with others.
• Open to changing situations and is willing to perform all tasks when and where assigned.
• Reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
• Pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to meet or exceed the company’s attendance and punctuality standards.
• Ability to understand and follow directions as given.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Efficiency and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Benefits

• Excellent benefit package available: 401k, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, vacation, PTO, and holiday pay, subject to applicable eligibility and waiting periods.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Work Location: In person