Sr. Manager Research & Development

Heartland Food Products Group is a dynamic, fast-growing organization committed to making a positive impact in the world. We are passionate about building brands and foster a results-driven culture that provides opportunities to rapidly learn and develop your career. Heartland Food Products Group makes SPLENDA® Brand Sweeteners, as well as JAVA HOUSE® Cold Brew Coffee and other product lines. SPLENDA® is the #1 recommended sweetener brand among healthcare professionals and includes a broad portfolio — the iconic original SPLENDA® product line, SPLENDA® Diabetes Care Shakes, SPLENDA® Stevia, SPLENDA® Zero liquid, SPLENDA® Monk Fruit, and SPLENDA® Allulose.

Scope:

The Sr. Manager, Research and Development will drive the complete product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization for all protein related products. Focus for this role will include innovative concept and platform development in a constantly changing marketplace. In this role, the manager will execute projects while coaching and mentoring the product development team. Key categories will include liquid (aseptic) and powdered protein products but product/process responsibilities are expected to evolve over time as a result of the company’s growth and expansion into new technologies.

 Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Directs and coordinates 2-5 food scientists and product developers. 
• Acts as a player/coach in driving the project load of the product development team to completion while executing personal product/process development projects.
• Inspires product development team to achieve high performance and excellence in all facets of the product development cycle.
• Provides leadership in the areas of food science and product development with employees, suppliers, partners and customers.
• Designs dairy and plant-based beverage solutions in both powder and liquid formats (RTD and Concentrates) based on targeted flavor profile, texture, color, shelf life and nutritional content while maintaining adherence to government and industry standards. 
• Supports Operations and Quality through training, day to day troubleshooting, monitoring pilot and commercial scale up trials and first 3 production runs on all new products.
• Supports Supply Chain team on the evaluation and verification of ingredients in inventory.  
• Drives cost optimization of product portfolio with procurement and ingredient vendors and through reformulation initiatives.
• Develops product specifications and ensures that product labeling complies.
• Establishes broad understanding of all current products, projects and formulations.
• Manage and review data and report trends and findings to organization.
• Assure all activities are following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), GMP’s and other Company policies and procedures. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor and Master’s degree in Food Science required.
• Minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible food industry product development experience, including experience in managing technical teams.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with protein beverages, hydrocolloids and emulsifying systems. 
• Experience in Sweetener development as well as Flavor Applications highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience of rapidly developing and commercializing consumer products.
• Highly motivated, strategic, creative thinker with strong influencing skills and drive for results. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Ability to communicate complex technical concepts in a simple to understand way. 
• Prior experience in rapidly growing business is preferred. 
• Must be goal oriented and adaptive to change, thriving in a dynamic fast-paced environment. 

Physical Demands: 

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. 
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended hours, such as daily overtime and an occasional weekend. 
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records.
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds.