Director of Bakery Science & Innovation

_ Dawn Foods • Louisville, KY

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of key Bakery Science and Packaging Engineering activities within Dawn Foods as well as the execution of long-term Regional Innovation. In addition, this role will be expected to coordinate with the Global Innovation team to ensure that North America is participating in the right Global Innovation projects as well as aware of what innovations are being worked in the other regions (Europe and LATAM) and create prioritization for what can be leveraged back to NA. This role is expected to help transform Dawn’s understanding of the science of baking, ingredient science, processing capabilities, as well as the interaction between ingredients and equipment. This should be focused on creating value through this scientific understanding, allowing us to create a competitive advantage in the market. This position is also responsible for the supervision and development of several food scientists and packaging engineers. This is a hybrid position based in either Jackson, Michigan or Louisville, Kentucky, with up to 20% travel required. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates based on business needs and eligibility.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in food science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 8+ years of relevant experience -or- Master’s degree in food science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 6+ years of relevant experience -or- PhD in Food Science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record with a minimum of 2 years in people management (developing, coaching, mentoring, directing) and budget management.
• Experience with using a full range of statistical and analytical tools and fundamentals.
• Ability to be self-directed, forward-thinking, and make complex decisions that drive business performance.
• The ability to leverage external networks to build a pipeline of emerging technologies.
• High level of business acumen to understand which technologies apply to Dawn and how to create meaningful value through these technologies.
• Demonstratable ability in sound scientific processes
• Experience in Processing R&D and the interaction between ingredients and processing technology and its impact on finished goods performance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in ingredient technology and/or processing is desired.
• Working in B2B, CPG, or other food background desired.

Responsibilities

• Leads the long-term product and packaging innovation process for Dawn North America.
• Develop new methods and tools to enhance and integrate emerging technologies into new and existing products creating meaningful differentiation in the market.
• Creates and maintains methods for establishing project priorities, defining metrics, and tracking project progress.
• Maintains and evaluates a comprehensive list of innovation opportunities and technology advancements.
• Provides guidance and support for team members’ development including individual development plans and performance reviews.
• Creates accountability around solid scientific processes with the ability to teach these to other functions.
• Ability to enhance the Science of Baking at Dawn and scientific understanding of our ingredients and processes.
• Ability to work cross-functionally to aid in a variety of projects (quality issues, capital execution, supply chain constraints, cost reduction opportunities) using solid scientific understanding and processes to allow for non-obvious solutions.
• Ability to understand and leverage the interaction between our capital equipment, manufacturing processes, and ingredients to control finished product outputs, quality, and performance.
• Understand and promote the philosophies and policies of Dawn Food Products, Inc. supporting the Circle of Excellence.
• Other duties or assignments as needed.

Benefits

• Industry-leading health insurance on Day 1!
• Competitive Pay
• 401(K) + company match
• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Professional training
• Family-owned business over 100 years in service
• An opportunity for career advancement, working as part of an empowering workforce
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates based on business needs and eligibility.
• Comprehensive health and well-being coverage
• Competitive compensation packages
• Award-winning benefit offerings
• Generous 401(k) matching program
• Tuition assistance and educational programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director