Director R&D Protein

Griffith Foods is a global manufacturer of food products.  We provide a wide range of taste and texture components for food industry customers throughout the world.  Our products include seasoning blends, dry mixes, coating systems, dough blends, crumbs, flavors, sauces and food bases that are used in an extensive variety of application from snack foods and processed meat and poultry to ready meals. Our customers include food processors, restaurant operators and grocery retailers.  While our name may not be familiar to consumers, our products are key components of foods offered by many of the world’s best-known companies.

Summary: Leads GFUS R&D implementation of technical experience, formula security, laboratory equipment, process, and talent management programs to support the Protein Processor Segment and Protein product category business strategy within retail. Directs R&D activities by performing the following duties personally, through a designate, or through reporting team members.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Functions as a team leader for the development and execution of key technical strategies and activities that support the overall Griffith Foods Protein & Retail Segments and business strategy.
• Applies scientific and engineering principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and waste reduction.
• Collaborates with Supply Chain to link product formulation activities to commercial fulfillment efficiencies.
• Leads production of safe and regulatory compliant food products. USDA understanding is necessary; export experience is an advantage.
• Aligns R&D & regulatory strategies.
• Collaborates cross functionally with Sales, Marketing, Sensory, and Culinary peers to assign, manage, and prioritize projects & accounts.
• Identifies and supports implementation of Innovation technologies that support the long-term strategy of the organization.
• Defines and implements talent management program for the Protein & Retail R&D teams in multiple locations.
• Establishes goals, appraises performance, recommends training, and provides input into final review for all direct reports. Coaches staff on job performance and career planning.
• Communicates progress of all products under development. Leverages methods and procedures for monitoring project success, such as metrics, resource investment and expenditures, research findings, progress reports, and staff conferences.
• Represents Griffith Foods R&D in professional business relationships with GFUS client and supplier base, academia, government, and corporations in the food industry.
• Responsible for maintaining and enhancing the security of all information regarding product formulas and related confidential information.
• Directs reviews and audits to provides regular reports and recommendations to management regarding formula security performance.
• Implements contingency plans for coverage of key R&D roles if an associate is unable to perform their assigned duties.

Qualifications:

• MS in Food Science or Meat Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, Food engineering or related technical degree.
• 12-20 years of Research & Development experience within the meat industry.
• Experience with retail or foodservice manufacturer and extensive experience in working directly with customers and manufacturing facilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• Strong analytics, grammar and writing skills.
• Demonstrated exceptional project management skills/experience.
• Must be organized and detail oriented with an ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Travel up to 25%.

LI#DNI