Director Product Innovation

Agropur • Eden Prairie, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Director Product Innovation in Eden Prairie, MN. The Director Product Innovation provides oversight to the operations of the Protein Applications Center and serves Agropur Ingredients as the technical expert in whey-derived ingredients. This role provides direction to the product development activities using Agropur’s ingredient portfolio, guiding the sales team with innovative ideas, and trouble-shooting customer challenges. Manage direct reports, including hiring, providing annual reviews, training opportunities, project management, experimental design, coaching, guidance in travel for customer visits, plant trials, effectiveness of communication, collaboration and outlining succession management activities as needed. Provide leadership to keep the team members engaged, motivated, informed, and well trained to meet the current and future needs of Agropur. Provide guidance to the team members in product development to match the evolving market needs and consumer preferences. Integrate with sales team to understand customer and product development needs in various geographical areas. Participate in dialog with customers to explore innovations and offer support. Collaborate with marketing to provide technical leadership. Identify and nurture relationships with academic experts who can provide support to Agropur’s ingredient research.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Food Science or related field required.
• Five plus (5+) years of experience in product development with proteins, preferably milk-derived proteins, required.
• Three plus (3+) years of experience in people management or supervisory responsibilities required.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Food Science or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage direct reports, including hiring, providing annual reviews, training opportunities, project management, experimental design, coaching, guidance in travel for customer visits, plant trials, effectiveness of communication, collaboration and outlining succession management activities as needed.
• Provide leadership to keep the team members engaged, motivated, informed, and well trained to meet the current and future needs of Agropur.
• Provide guidance to the team members in product development to match the evolving market needs and consumer preferences.
• Integrate with sales team to understand customer and product development needs in various geographical areas.
• Participate in dialog with customers to explore innovations and offer support.
• Collaborate with marketing to provide technical leadership.
• Identify and nurture relationships with academic experts who can provide support to Agropur’s ingredient research.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with 7% company contributions
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Advancement Opportunities

What This Job Offers

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