R&D Optimization Manager

R&D Optimization Manager - Join Our Innovative Team!

Are you a driven leader with a passion for optimizing processes and driving innovation in the food manufacturing industry? We're seeking a dynamic R&D Optimization Manager to lead initiatives that reduce costs, improve efficiency, enhance quality, and streamline operations. If you're ready to make a significant impact and work collaboratively across all functions, this opportunity is for you!

About the Role:

As the R&D Optimization Manager, you'll be at the forefront of our efforts to enhance our operations. You'll work closely with key partners, including Cost Accounting, Capital teams, Operations, Sales, FSQA, Process Engineering, and the Innovation R&D team. You'll be responsible for setting and tracking KPIs, ensuring project health, and leading the Pork Quality team to achieve top-notch analytics and close any gaps.

Key Responsibilities:

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  Leadership & Management:

  
  
  
  
  • Lead and develop the R&D Optimization and Pork Quality teams to ensure effective execution of activities, team growth, and achievement of department goals.
  • Drive high-profile technical initiatives, from planning to successful transition to operations.
  • Foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure regulatory compliance and approvals.
  • Lead projects through Stage & Gate discovery, development, and launch processes, enhancing food safety, quality, and cost efficiency.
  • Spearhead initiatives to improve the quality of our pork supply by enhancing live production operations and producer partnerships.
  
  
  
  
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  Innovation & Optimization:

  
  
  
  
  • Manage project loads, providing clear communication and updates to stakeholders.
  • Ensure successful hand-off through appropriate commissioning and scaling.
  • Balance team support across innovation and optimization initiatives, and contribute to process improvements.
  • Identify new optimization projects and platforms, collaborating with vendors to implement innovative solutions.
  
  
  
  
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  Systems Execution:

  
  
  
  
  • Track and own optimization KPIs, deliverables, and the overall optimization process.
  • Conduct post-mortems to apply learnings and improve processes.
  • Define project scopes, develop testing plans, and document results.
  
  
  
  
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  Talent Management:

  
  
  
  
  • Set expectations, coach, and develop your team, ensuring a strong succession plan.
  • Recruit, onboard, and structure the team to align with the R&D vision.
  • Oversee SOPs and assess team capabilities for continuous improvement.
  
  
  
  
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  Team Collaboration:

  
  
  
  
  • Participate in regular technical meetings, product launches, and KPI development.
  • Represent the company at community events and contribute positively to company initiatives.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• 5 to 10 years of experience in R&D optimization within the food manufacturing industry.
• Extensive knowledge of meat and poultry products, equipment, formulation, processes, and packaging.
• Strong foundation in Meat Plant GMP's, HACCP, Specifications, and USDA/FSIS Policies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage projects, and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to personal growth and learning.

Why Join Us?

You'll have the opportunity to lead a talented team, drive impactful initiatives, and contribute to the growth and success of our company. If you're ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, apply today!

Functional Expert - Considered a thought leader on a subject
Enthusiastic - Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Team Player - Works well as a member of a group
Thought Provoking - Capable of making others think deeply on a subject

Ability to Make an Impact - Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Masters (preferred)
Bachelors (required)