Director of Product Innovation

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Product Innovation role will be integral in creating the product innovation strategy for the categories Seaboard Foods is looking to grow into. Also, leading the creation of value added pork products and a branded product portfolio of value-added items in different categories.

This position needs to have a deep understanding of meat, production, operations, formulations, and flavors as well as analyzing and scanning consumer data from the retail and food service channels to help identify trends and insights by customers.

RESPONSIBILITIES & TASKS

• Develop value added products/formulas through stage gate process based on customer and consumer needs.
• Develop product innovation strategies for the categories identified by the company.
• Follow food and ingredient trends to integrate into innovation.
• Create unique formulations in existing categories to be able to differentiate.
• Have good understanding of product and production claims to be included in product development and packaging.
• Develop specification requirements to submit to product management.
• Propose more efficient or alternative specifications.
• Understand packaging equipment constraints and key questions. Identify constraints regarding various product development projects and be able to communicate these effectively and work through solutions.
• Maintain awareness of and communicate key industry trends as they relate to new processes, equipment, techniques, packaging, and product utilization.
• Develop and maintain resource network for: ingredients, equipment, and packaging.
• Keeps abreast with current and future USDA label and claim compliance requirements.
• Supports sales with strategic new product launches.
• Identify and enact production/procurement cost savings and process optimizations.
• Recommends and identified sensory, survey, CLT, and IHUT needs and opportunities.
• Work with co-packers when needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS IN ALL ROLES: instills trust, communicates effectively, action oriented, ensures accountability, and drives results.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Mindset
• Drives Vision and Purpose
• Business Insight
• Persuades

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Meat Science or Food Science required.
• 7 years' experience in meat protein innovation, or R&D required.
• Experience with bacon, seasoned and marinated items, sausage, ham, cooked and case ready highly preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office Excel and PowerPoint preferred.
• Experience establishing relationships within the industry, with customers' senior management personnel, management personnel of associated industry participants, and possible emerging market companies.

ABOUT SEABOARD FOODS

At Seaboard Foods, we create the most sought-after pork. A top U.S. pork producer/processor and leading exporter to 30 countries, we are committed to the bringing excellence to the table, seeking a better way to produce wholesome pork and connect every step between our farms and family tables. More than 5,400 employees in five states work on our farms, feed mills, and processing plant to produce Prairie Fresh pork, ensuring the well-being of our animals, the environment, our employees, and the communities we call home.

WHY SEABOARD FOODS?

Seaboard Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.