R & D Manager

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world's leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside's exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!

We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.

R & D Manager Job Summary: Are you a passionate, dedicated and motivated individual who is able to deliver Product Development in line with the critical path to meet a customer's plan? Are you someone who is able to generate innovative ideas while drawing insight from the brad convince food sector? Are you someone who builds positive working relationships on a regular basis? Then we would like to speak with you!

Job Duties:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Lead key projects with R&D to support business goals.
• Overseeing products from concept to process handover to meet the critical path and feasibility plans by answering questions to the right level of detail.
• Lead feasibility meetings, ensuring that people are kept informed of all activity regular and ensure actions are complete while providing information in reports which are accurate, easy to read and within budget.
• Give input on product knowledge and customer insight within category team to ensure product development is aligned with all key customer requirements and meets financial measurements. Understand customer expectations on to-be manufactured products.
• Introduce and refine new product concepts through the development process ensuring that technical and quality standards are achieved while maximizing profitability.
• Build and maintain customer relationships, acting as the dedicated contact to provide accurate and consistent communication internal.ly and externally while identifying and resolving issues promptly.
• Research, plan, and implement new protocols and programs into their organization.
• Developing the team capability through task focused coaching to ensure maximum performance and development to their potential.
• Be recognized as the "go to" person for customer information.

Required Competencies & Knowledge:

Knowledge of:

• 5 years of previous Product Development experience in a similar industry
• A four year degree in Food Science or related field of study. (MS preferred)
• A broad knowledge of the convenience and grocery food market
• A good understanding of Product Development terminology
• Ability to collaborate and work cross functionally to prioritize and launch new products
• Researching, planning and implementing new protocols and programs into an organization
• Project management skills and ability to keep project timelines on track and within scope

• Ability to develop and track key performance indicators to support business goals.

• Understanding of the retail environment/market place
• Ability to prepare and deliver a presentation
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Excellent business skills and personal ethics

Proficiency in: Microsoft products including but not limited to Outlook, MS Word, Excel, formula database, Genesis, raw material costing and inventory. Knowledge in SharePoint and SAP software a plus.

#LI-SS1 #LI-Onsite

Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Other details

• Job Family Manager
• Pay Type Salary
• Required Education Bachelor's Degree

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