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Hormel Foods · 10 hours ago

Director Research and Development - Applegate Corporate Office (Bedminster, NJ)

135 Route 202/206 Suite 11, Bedminster, NJ, 07921, US

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$120K/yr - $167K/yr

10+ years exp

Hormel Foods is a company that produces high-quality natural and organic meat products. They are seeking a Director of Research and Development to oversee the day-to-day operations of the R&D department, manage projects, and develop strategies for execution while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Food ProcessingManufacturingMeat and Poultry

No H1B

Responsibilities

Ensuring all department projects are prioritized based on annual goals while ensuring all projects stay on track. Review and approve all major R&D projects, monitor, and report on progress, and provide technical guidance to R&D staff

Responsible for department development including evaluation of skills and capabilities of R&D staff and implementation of plans to improve performance and competencies. Develop technical ability of staff members through assisting in the development of robust business processes, mentoring/coaching, counseling, feedback and personal development plans

Representing company in technical matters of high significance as appropriate, including interaction with key partners in development of controls or the implementation of new technologies to support the brands’ production

Maintain and develop key external industry, scientific and university relationships to enhance R&D capabilities and collaborate with outside resources as appropriate

Collaborate with other departments on new technologies and processing enhancements that secure product shelf-life wholesomeness and are in conjunction with label requirements that are consistent with company mission

Remain abreast of regulatory changes and ensure R&D operations remain compliant (USDA/FDA)

Determine feasibility of project objectives, timelines, and deliverables, and communicate expected outcomes and/or alternatives

Oversee the creation and development of new and existing products to assist in new business areas and further penetrate existing accounts. Ensure that resources are focused on meeting the objectives set by the strategic business plans

Ensure shelf-life testing and pathogen validation testing is completed prior to launch and is routinely verified and represent the brand at monthly Food Safety Council forums

Oversee company process for product cuttings and sensory analysis and ensure accurate, timely and complete reporting of the results

Ensure accurate and complete formulation and specification information is recorded and maintained for all the brands’ products

Oversee the R&D Kitchen

Qualification

R&D experienceProcess improvementLeadership skillsFood Science degreeRegulatory complianceComputer skillsSensory evaluationCommunication skillsTeam collaborationOrganizational skillsAttention to detailNegotiation skillsConflict resolution

Required

B.S. Degree (Food Science, Meat Science, Engineering or Culinology preferred)

10 years of R&D experience in the food industry

Demonstrated experience leading teams

Proven experience in process improvement within an R&D department

Strong leadership, management and change management skills

Solid communication skills with the ability to build strong teams through interaction, delegation and personnel development

Strong technical knowledge, able to provide leadership in directing others in solving complex technical problems

Excellent attention to detail, follow through and decision-making skills

Experience in government regulatory requirements

Strong communication (both written and verbal), negotiating and conflict resolution skills

Excellent communicator of the brands' vision; capable of positively representing the company, our products and our objectives in a variety of situations both internally and externally

Proven collaboration skills and cross functional team skills

Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize demands and multi-task to complete objectives

Ability to evaluate meat products (beef, pork, chicken & turkey) for various sensory attributes including aroma, flavor, texture and appearance

Exhibits passion for Organic and Natural industry

Excellent computer skills required which include Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, outlook)

Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer