Senior Product Development Manager, RTE

Glanbia PLC•Downers Grove, IL

30d

About The Position

Glanbia Performance Nutrition is a global company with a brand portfolio that consists of Optimum Nutrition, BSN, Isopure, Think!, Amazing Grass each with its own brand essence. From athletes to remote workers, people around the world want to eat well and live healthier, more active lives and we have the products to match! We are seeking a visionary Senior Product Development Manager - RTE to lead delivery of the growth strategy for GPN brands through developing and executing of Ready-to-Eat product innovation - specifically in high protein snacks and bars. This role serves as a strategic partner, playing a key part in shaping new product concepts and guiding a team of food scientists to deliver both renovation and innovation. A deep understanding and masterful expertise in formulating and developing a range ready-to-eat (RTE) products-from initial concept to successful execution are fundamental. This role is a new role to the team due to an internal move!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Food Science with a minimum of 8 years of experience in food / ingredient
Expert knowledge and mastery in formulating different RTE product and scale up under different key manufacturing technologies , including cold forming (slab bars), baking, extrusion, depositing, enrobing, frying, and molding, etc.
Experience leading diverse technical teams and direct reports, fostering collaboration and high performance.
Solid understanding of the food industry, with broad knowledge across manufacturing operations and technical functions.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, nutritional software, and preferably SAP, with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Team Management
Lead a team of Food Scientists, and works closely with Marketing, Business, R&D team members, Manufacturing, Packaging Engineering, Quality teams to develop and deliver new products.
Prioritize resources to meet project demands across all streams of work allocation.
Mentor and guide team members, enhancing technical skills, organizational skills, and emotional intelligence.
Facilitate cross-team training and encourage a collaborative, positive work environment.
New Product Development
Lead the formulation and development of a broad range of products, mastering the art of creating and refining prototypes across different processing conditions.
Spearhead pilot plant experiments and scale-up processes, maintaining rigorous standards and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Identifies and explores new areas of technical opportunities
Documentation
Ensure comprehensive documentation of all formulations, product stability, and project outcomes, maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountability.
Ensures accuracy and timeliness of Sensory Reports, Trial Reports, First Production Reports, Technical Briefs, and other documentation.
Continuous improvement/optimization of current products according to business needs, supply situation and/or implementation of initiatives.
Collaboration
Cultivate and maintain a positive, growth-oriented mindset, encouraging team members to embrace challenges as opportunities for innovation and development.
Act as a key connector across departments, fostering strong relationships and a unified approach to product development.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge and insights to drive innovation and product excellence aligned with business strategy.