Manager Of Research And Development

Job Description
Based in Minneapolis, MN the Manager of Research and Development for Jack Links dual will play a key role in the development and execution of corporate Research and Development (R&
D) initiatives includingnew product innovation, brand maintenance projects, and product and process improvement and will be responsible to lead and mentor product developers. This position will play a major role in helping the company achieve its aggressive growth objectives through appropriate uses of technology and innovation in new product development, packaging, quality control, and operations.
The responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:
Manage individual projects as assigned
Deliver key value-added R&
D documents to the process of developing and improving products. This includes but is not limited to:
Development notebook, R&
D action plan, Product Cutting outcome form, PBED &
PLM system entry
Support cross functional team providing timely updates and deliver R&
D designated tasks
Manage relationships with suppliers, co-packers and manufacturers to develop innovative new to market and new to category products or ingredients
Participate in Consumer Insights activities to understand customers’ and consumers’ needs by providing prototypes that meet defined criteria to show
Partner with Sales and Marketing to understand the business and our customers by participating in competitive analysis
Delegate projects and coach direct reports to help them achieve their individual projects including, but not limited to, development of technical plans, identification and vetting of novel raw materials, coordinating plant trials, manage to cost targets, delivering on timelines, and ensuring cross-functional alignment through development including ensuring clarity on risks and implications.
Lead, coach, and engage with direct reports to support their development and delivery on their objectives
Utilize culinary passion, creativity, and leverage direct reports to lead and teach R&
D team members about conceptualization and creation of product samples with dynamic new and on trend flavor profiles in conjunction with current projects
Support product innovation including but not limited to new flavors, process modifications that create new organoleptic characteristics, cost saving, or improved process
Creation, execution, and refinement of innovation process for new idea generation in close partnership with Marketing and Consumer Insights
Demonstrate curiosity via bringing new ideas and creative solutions
Attend major industry shows, as needed, to research new and innovative product launches and further industry knowledge via informational seminars
Support the PVE function = designate a member of your team that will allocate 25% of time to delivering annual PVE goals
Support delivery the R&
D strategy for the current year, and provide input for 3-year outlook this includes both product, team building, and culture
Champion quality awareness, delivery, and adherence
Self-motivated. Hands-on and results-oriented
Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary
Deliver on the Jack Links Values