Manager, Dairy and Dairy Alternatives Applications

Ingredion Incorporated • Bridgewater, NJ

20d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create. Location: Bridgewater, NJ Workplace type: On-Site/Hybrid (4 days/week on-site & 1 day/week remote) The Manager, Dairy & Dairy Alternatives Applications is responsible for driving Dairy & Dairy Alternatives category applications and formulation expertise globally. The Manager, Dairy & Dairy Alternatives will provide technical category leadership for the multi-region commercialization of new products and innovative customized solutions. The candidate will work closely with our regional category leaders and customers, providing leadership to translate voice of customer and key customer value propositions to technical solutions that make our customer’s breakthroughs possible. They will be able to navigate ambiguity, working closely with the Global and Regional Technical and Marketing functions to identify opportunities, creating solutions that maximize customer value. The Dairy & Dairy Alternatives Applications Manager will lead the creation of technology roadmaps for Dairy & Dairy Alternatives category innovation grounded on a deep understanding of articulated and latent customer and consumer needs. They will collaborate with regional technical teams to create, assess, and validate new formulations and innovative ingredient solutions. The candidate will develop a team of 4-5 scientists and create an environment that fosters innovation and promotes the introduction of ideas and product concepts for the category.

Requirements

• MS/PhD in Food Science, Food Process Engineering, or closely related field with 10+ years of progressive experience in food formulation/ product development and a passion for food science.
• Demonstrated hands-on product development experience and knowledge in Dairy & Dairy Alternatives category application segments (yogurt and fermented milk products, cheese, ready to drink beverages, ice cream, and their plant-based alternatives).
• Knowledge of starches, hydrocolloids and other texturizers, specialty sweeteners and plant-based protein ingredients in food applications.
• Excellent technical skills with the ability to act as the recognized technical lead and Dairy & Dairy Alternatives category subject matter expert within the Innovation community.
• Ability to mentor and build team capabilities in innovation and new product development to deliver excellence in food formulation.
• Ability to inform and influence decisions at all levels in the organization.
• Ability to engage and build working relationships effectively with diverse stakeholders across functions and levels of the organization.
• An Analytical and critical thinker with excellent business acumen and strong problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable leading multiple projects concurrently.
• Curious and creative with a customer-focused mindset, has the ability to proactively inspire change.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Food Research & Development commercializing consumer-packaged goods is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Build a deep understanding of category consumer trends, customer problems and needs through close cross-functional collaboration with regional category teams and global partners including Strategic Marketing and Insights.
• Translate voice of customer and key customer value propositions from regional category teams to technical solutions that make our customer’s breakthroughs possible.
• Lead, grow, and empower talented technical professionals through mentoring and meaningful development plans.
• Identify gaps and develop new capabilities and expertise among the team.
• Manage relationships across region and global teams to create strong networks and foster collaboration in the Dairy & Dairy Alternatives category.
• Develop and implement a technical strategy working with global and regional teams to identify and bring new ingredients to market, formulating solutions for Dairy & Dairy Alternatives applications.
• Provide Dairy & Dairy Alternatives category thought leadership through a solid understanding of the category and its current and future drivers, and the corresponding technical capabilities to deliver differentiated solutions.
• Develop new Dairy & Dairy Alternatives formulation concepts focused on novel texture and healthful solutions by leveraging ingredients and processes which can be applied globally.
• Leverage industrial expertise to develop and commercialize new ingredient solutions and technologies grounded on customer insights.
• Develop and sponsor industry innovation workshops for key industry organization meetings and customers in the U.S. and globally.
• Champion and support Ingredion’s Intellectual Property strategy and develop patent applications.
• Conducting prior art searches (literature, patents) related to projects and stay abreast of Dairy & Dairy Alternatives technology and category landscape (market trends, IP landscape, emerging technologies).

Benefits

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree