Quality - R & D Manager

Wyandot’s R&D Manager oversees product development and product / process optimization projects.  Manages the processes needed to complete these projects in a timely fashion, (i.e. ingredient sourcing, plant trials, prototype development, label development, specification development, and product model development).  Works closely with Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Operations, Accounting, and Sales, and is often involved with early stage customer discussions involving new product development projects.    RESPONSIBILITIES:   Develops new products (and optimizes existing products / processes), from ideation through commercialization.   DUTIES:     1.  Designs new products that meet customer expectations, while fitting within the capabilities of the Wyandot plant.  Manages the prototype development process, overseeing their preparation, and working with sales to elicit feedback from the customer, applying that input to further refine the concept.   2.  Manages the product label development process, including nutritional panels and ingredient declarations according to NLEA standards.  Reviews finished product packaging, when requested, providing feedback on claims, descriptors, and romance copy, while verifying the label elements.   3.  Provides direction to Food Technologist(s) on product development project priorities.   4.  Works with Wyandot’s ingredient suppliers from a technical perspective, cultivating excellent working relationships while trouble shooting problems with current ingredients, or developing ingredients for new products.  In concert with the materials department, seeks to identify new ingredient suppliers, establishing relationships with progressive companies that can provide innovative ingredient solutions.   5.  Manages the development of specifications for new products, responsible for their verification, revisions, and communication within the company.  Also manages the Change process related to Wyandot finished products and ingredients specifications, nutritional and ingredient panels, and product models.   6.  Acts as an internal Food Science consultant and troubleshooter for production problems related to ingredient performance, product drift, and product processing issues.   7.  Attends the Project Review, Press Ops and Strategic Planning Meetings to answer questions relative to the status of product development initiatives.   8.  Leads the Weekly Test Run meeting with production, communicating the required project details, test run plans, and changes that impact development and eventual commercialization of new products.   9.  Stays current with culinary and flavor trends through trade show attendance, appropriate journal reading and by conducting quarterly market basket studies.  Uses this information when discussing new products with customers. 10.   Performs other duties as assigned.   WORK ENVIRONMENT:   Must be able to work in the plant and office environments.  Must be able to work under pressure and be extremely flexible.  A degree in food science or natural science and at least ten years of related experience in a food manufacturing environment is required.  Must have excellent math ability and problem solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.   Must be able to communicate in English clearly in both verbal and written forms.  Must be able to input, process, and retrieve information from a computer.

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