Manager Research & Development (Salty Snacks)
About The Position
As the Manager Research & Development (R&D), reporting to the Senior Director R&D, you will provide product design leadership for designated brands and platforms within the R&D Food and Process Design group. You will manage a technical team responsible for the day-to-day development and commercialization of new, improved, and cost-reduced snack products. You will drive food product innovation for assigned businesses and lead cross-functional project teams while serving as a technical mentor and resource for your team. Your Impact Coach, mentor, and develop food scientists to build technical expertise and career growth. Communicate strategies, priorities, and direction clearly to your team. Champion ideas for technology improvements, cost savings, and innovations that align with company strategic goals. Ensure excellent product design, quality, and performance specifications for assigned brands. Act as the primary product development business interface for assigned brands, managing technical teams and cross-functional initiatives. Cultivate strong relationships with cross functional partners. Maintain high awareness of consumer and technical trends and developments in the food industry. Lead development of technical work plans and execute projects integrated with business teams. Set tactical objectives to drive business results and deliver impactful outcomes. Exhibit professionalism and positively represent Conagra Brands within the technical community.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or related field
- 7+ years of relevant experience in the food industry developing and commercializing food products across multiple platforms and/or food processing technologies.
- 2+ years of people management or leadership experience.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence technical and business partners.
- Basic understanding of business and financial principles.
- Strong negotiating skills for effective conflict resolution.
- Travel may be up to 20%.
- Comfortable working in manufacturing environments with exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, wet, slippery conditions and all food allergens.
- Capable of lifting 25–50 lbs periodically and standing for extended periods.
Responsibilities
- Provide product design leadership for designated brands and platforms within the R&D Food and Process Design group.
- Manage a technical team responsible for the day-to-day development and commercialization of new, improved, and cost-reduced snack products.
- Drive food product innovation for assigned businesses and lead cross-functional project teams while serving as a technical mentor and resource for your team.
- Coach, mentor, and develop food scientists to build technical expertise and career growth.
- Communicate strategies, priorities, and direction clearly to your team.
- Champion ideas for technology improvements, cost savings, and innovations that align with company strategic goals.
- Ensure excellent product design, quality, and performance specifications for assigned brands.
- Act as the primary product development business interface for assigned brands, managing technical teams and cross-functional initiatives.
- Cultivate strong relationships with cross functional partners.
- Maintain high awareness of consumer and technical trends and developments in the food industry.
- Lead development of technical work plans and execute projects integrated with business teams.
- Set tactical objectives to drive business results and deliver impactful outcomes.
- Exhibit professionalism and positively represent Conagra Brands within the technical community.
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
- Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
- Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
- Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
