R&D Manager, Product Development

Ajinomoto Foods North America•Ontario, CA

35d•$110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Manager Product Development is responsible for executing and managing new product development, continuous quality improvement, production transfers, profit enhancement, and technology development within the assigned product category, from benchtop to manufacturing scale-up. Position will also be responsible for setting annual goals for the team, monitoring project progress, and guiding team members to achieve established objectives.

Requirements

Strong foundation in food chemistry, microbiology, and/or process engineering.
Advanced expertise in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and experimental design.
Extensive experience in the full cycle of food product development, from recipe formulation and ingredient selection to factory-scale commercialization.
Culinary experience is an asset, with proven success in formulating and developing recipes, and managing products from benchtop to commercial launch.
Skilled in assessing team members' capabilities and fostering opportunities for growth and development.
Proven project management experience, with the ability to set priorities and drive multiple projects to successful outcomes.
Willingness to travel, with flexibility to accommodate up to 25% travel annually, based on business and project needs.

Responsibilities

Execute the development of new products while continuously enhancing quality to meet company and customer specifications, considering available resources such as ingredients, production equipment, processes, and personnel.
Collaborate with and advise sales, marketing, and customer service representatives on new product requirements and specifications, target product quality, and resolution of customer complaints.
Manage various aspects of product development, including cost analysis, packaging design, photo shoots, and other R&D initiatives.
Create new and improved product samples for internal testing and provide prototypes to potential clients.
Conduct product testing in the test kitchen, develop specific processing methods in the laboratory, and finalize them through Commercial Production (CP) tests in the production facility.
Develop and implement monitoring methods and procedures for projects, including preparing records for expenditures, research findings, progress reports, and staff meetings to keep management informed of project status.
Follow the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, developing recipes, production control sheets, and procedures for approval during product assessments.
Support the presentation of new products and technologies to customers by providing technical assistance as requested by the marketing department.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with vendors and customers, understanding their needs and identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and improvement.
Collaborate with the Senior Manager or Director of R&D to develop a strategic plan utilizing the MFP (Market-Focused Product) approach within the designated product category.
Participates in the organization, planning, and coordination of production transfer programs.
Provide support in ensuring effective execution of product transfers with all relevant departments.
Coordinates and ensures that every requirement in the evaluation process is strictly adhered to and met and is given the assessment Management committee's approval.
Track and collaborate with cross-functional teams on cost savings measures to ensure the company meets its total delivered cost goals.
Monitor cost savings throughout the process and report results to management.
Collaborate with other departments to develop and implement innovative strategies for reducing costs and maintaining a competitive advantage.
Manages multiple projects, new product development, continually improving, production transfer, profitable improvement, and technology development in the assigned product category.
Responsible for the execution of projects with multiple direct reports by collaborating with cross-functional departments.
Partners with Sr. Manager or Director of Product Development to develop strategies of specialty product and technology development, profitable improvement, and these execution plans.
Manage, coach, and educate R&D Staff in order to promote and cultivate highly talented, knowledgeable, and motivated team members in the department.
Oversees and promotes the professional growth of one's immediate reports. Provides them with appropriate duties and opportunity for progress.
Ensures a safe and efficient work environment in the R&D laboratory and kitchen.