Research & Development Manager – Snacks

Research & Development Manager – Snacks

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or technical field (e.g., chemistry, engineering, biology)
• 9+ years of experience in R&D, with at least 4 years in a managerial or leadership role
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading complex research projects from concept to completion
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Experience designing Salty & Sweet Snack Pilot Plant, including safety, staffing, equipment, and layout
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire R&D teams to deliver high-quality research and innovation
• Deep understanding of food chemistry, analytical chemistry, statistics, sensory science, process development and Ardent Mills products
• Extensive experience working with flavor and seasoning houses, leveraging capabilities towards indulgent food design
• Familiarity with variety of process technologies required, including but not limited to extrusion, mixers, dough handling, dough forming, and finishing equipment
• Product launch experience – consumer or raw materials – highly desirable
• Resilient and demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems
• Excellent communication skills for presenting research findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of R&D projects, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and objectives are met
• Manage project resources, including personnel and equipment, to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
• Lead process development of next generation novel and filled snacks (e.g., pretzels, extruded food forms, crackers, cookies, biscuits, etc)
• Identify, design, conduct, and document research on salty/sweet snack applications and technologies
• Actively explore novel technologies and ingredients through interactions with vendors, suppliers, and attendance of tradeshows
• Lead, mentor, and support the Snacks R&D team, promoting a culture of collaboration and high performance
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development
• Encourage continuous learning and stay updated with the latest scientific and technological advancements to ensure the team operates at the cutting edge of the industry
• Ensure technical excellence in all areas – ingredient characterization, sensory, formula & process development, scale-up, troubleshooting, implementation of statistical and analytical tools
• Develop customer relationships, leading engagement beyond transactional scope and towards a strategic partnership
• Collaborate with other departments, including marketing, sales, and manufacturing, to ensure that R&D efforts are aligned with business needs and market demand
• Communicate the progress, challenges, and outcomes of R&D projects to senior management, providing regular updates and recommendations for future actions
• Manage relationships with external partners, including universities, research institutions, and suppliers, to foster collaboration and access new technologies or knowledge
• Ensure that all R&D activities comply with relevant industry regulations, quality standards, and safety protocols
• Oversee the proper documentation of research activities, including lab notebooks, invention disclosures, product certifications, and technical transfer reports, to protect intellectual property and ensure regulatory compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Analytical (R&D, Operations) and affective (consumer) sensory skills
• Comfortable stretching outside of comfort zone, intellectually curious, strong critical and analytical thinking skills and a passion for food science
• Global experience with consumer packaged goods companies, ingredient suppliers, flavor & fragrance suppliers