Position summary:

Responsible for leading the research, testing, and development of new products and their packaging in order to make each brand unique in the eyes of the to consumers.

Principal accountabilities:

·         Research, recommend, develop and test new products through packaging and distribution network for the full-line of meat products in the U.S.  to achieve goals of quality enhancement, shelf-life extension, simplicity for end user, appearance and cost.

·         Take all measures to ensure distributor and customer total satisfaction.

·         Schedule production of prototypes and samples with operations and/or equipment companies and co-packers.

·         Schedule product design reviews as appropriate with the different departments including Sales and Marketing.

·         Supervise and perform the daily projects as assigned.

·         Attend interdepartmental or cross-functional meetings as needed to discuss new or existing product and project progress issues.

·         Maintain accurate records on project files, milestone charts, design review, product formulations, yield data, procedures and costing analysis pertinent to one’s own projects and for all project leader driven projects.

·         Work closely with consultants on new product development projects to streamline product development and start-up.

·         Monitor sample requests for presentations and reviews.

·         Ensure that all new associates are properly trained and understand all processes.

·         Exercises excellent leadership and communication skills.

·         Communicate effectively with all customers (internal and external).

·         Ensure that all department requirements and standard operating procedures and conformance to quality systems are met.

·         Actively participate in research, justification and implementation involved in long-range planning of the department and product lines.

·         Read trade publications, attend national and international trade shows and seminars to keep current with food trends and technology.

·         Keep up with food laws and regulatory requirements.

·         Keep up with the newest processing and packaging technologies.

·         Analyze and review market trends for food products and food consumer goods packaging.

·         Analyze competitive product lines.

Education and experience:

·         Bachelor’s degree in meat science or a related technical field is required.

·         Minimum of 10 years of further processed meat products industry experience with progressive meat industry R&D experience with demonstrated achievement in R&D leadership.

·         Position reports to foods national quality, technology, regulatory, compliance and food safety manager.