BSM Partners · 1 month ago
Director, Product Innovation
Bentonville, AR
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expBSM Partners is seeking a Director of Product Innovation to lead the development and implementation of pet food product innovations. This strategic role involves overseeing complex projects, mentoring teams, and engaging with clients to drive organizational growth and enhance client satisfaction.
ConsultingNutritionVeterinary
Hiring Manager
Carrie Burnett Kearney
Responsibilities
Help define and drive the strategic vision for product innovation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client expectations
Lead cross-functional initiatives across departments (e.g., PI, FSQAR, Engineering) to optimize project outcomes and enhance client satisfaction
Act as a trusted advisor to clients, offering innovative solutions to complex challenges and proactively identifying opportunities for growth
Oversee the development of products using formulation software (e.g., Concept 5 or Format), ensuring innovative and cost-effective solutions
Direct the formulation of multi-format pet products while balancing functionality, palatability, and nutritional compliance
Help establish and maintain expertise in emerging trends, technologies, and market opportunities in the pet food sector
Ensure the successful execution of all projects from ideation to commercialization, prioritizing timelines, budgets, and quality
Help develop and implement standardized processes for project management, reporting, and documentation to improve operational efficiency
Provide high-level oversight of plant trials, collaborating with technical and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and optimize processes
Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, managing expectations, building relationships, and driving long-term partnerships
Guide internal teams in delivering exceptional client service and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build credibility and strengthen client relationships
Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, creativity, and accountability
Provide regular coaching and feedback, building the team’s technical and leadership competencies
Build and sustain a collaborative, high-performance work environment that drives employee engagement and organizational success
Foster a culture of innovation, identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance service delivery and efficiency
Collaborate cross-functionally to explore new concepts and conduct research (e.g., white papers, case studies)
Champion sustainability and ethical practices in product innovation initiatives
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in food science, or a related field
A minimum of 10 years experience in the pet food industry, with demonstrated leadership in product development and team management
Extensive experience with formulation software (e.g., Concept 5, Format) and expertise in multi-format product development
Advanced knowledge of pet food industry regulations, including AAFCO, FEDIAF, FDA, and global requirements
Proven expertise in ingredient functionality, palatability, equipment/process optimization, and nutritional science
Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead diverse teams, fostering collaboration across different disciplines and levels
Strong mentoring skills with the ability to develop talent and drive team performance
Proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects under tight deadlines
Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior executives and clients
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with an aptitude for driving results in a fast-paced environment
Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of innovation
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software tools
Preferred
Research experience, such as publishing white papers or presenting findings at industry conferences
Experience in sustainability initiatives or innovative pet food technologies
Company
BSM Partners
BSM Partners specializes in veterinary, nutrition, research, transformation, operations support, and engineering services.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Nate T.
Co-Founder, Partner
Gregory Daniel
Director of Process Innovation | BSM Engineering, BSM Partners, LLC
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