Director Product Development - Kettle

OSI Group; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 158,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

OSI Group, a premier global food provider, seeks a senior leader to direct its corporate Product Development department in Aurora, IL. You will partner with cross-functional teams to identify, prioritize, and execute projects that advance product development and commercialization.

You will mentor and develop R&D talent, establish test plans, oversee formulation and scale-up, and work with sales to create new business opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in related field preferred.
• Deep knowledge of product life cycle and commercialization.
• Proven track record in developing and launching new products.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the product development team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Drive development and execution of product plans with cross-functional partners.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and schedule projects with Project Managers.
• Establish objectives, timelines, and risk mitigation.
• Support sales by creating new business opportunities and initial customer contact.
• Develop and apply rigorous R&D discipline, test plans, and root-cause analysis.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize product cost.
• Maintain vendor relationships and protect IP.

Skills

Product lifecycle

Product commercialization

Leadership

Project management

MS Office

USDA FDA knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

MA/MS/MBA or equivalent

Meat Science/Dairy Science/Animal Science/Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

As a premier global food provider, the OSI Group partners with the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions that delight consumers around the globe.

Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We’re looking for individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and who enjoy working as a team to deliver unparalleled service and solutions to our customers.

This role is responsible for directing the activity of the corporate Product Development department in support of organization objectives. This position will work closely with cross functional partners to identify and prioritize projects that include planning, developing, and executing projects. This position will assist in developing and building leadership talent and capability within R&D.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the product development team in a dynamic a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Leverage technical knowledge of product development and commercialization process with a strong drive for results and flawless execution.
• Align with leadership business objectives and collaborate with cross function teams to execute product development plans and deliver results,
• Evaluate, prioritize, and schedule projects; assign to Project Managers based on complexity, priority, and project loads.
• Establish project objectives and work with Project Managers to identify obstacles, risk, solutions and to establish timelines.
• Monitor project process and provide support and guidance for formulation, testing and scaling up in production.
• Support sales team to create new business opportunities. Responsible for making initial customer contact during project start-up.
• Guide the highest level of R&D discipline. Create and apply well defined test plans for potential new technology and equipment, evaluate results, document and make recommendations. Apply the same R&D discipline to trouble shoot and root cause analysis to address product performance issues.
• Strive to develop the least product cost. Identify and execute cost saving opportunities.
• Source, outline tests and recommend ingredients for flavor and functionality.
• Acts as internal and external consultant for product development expertise.
• Facilitate creativity to product and process development, as well as protecting intellectual property.
• Establish and maintain vendor relationships.
• May serve as Project Manager for more complex or critical projects.
• This role has the responsibility to understand and place in practice appropriate safety procedures. This responsibility is achieved through education, training, use of protective equipment (as applicable) and by following safety policies, regulations, standards, and laws.
• Identify the technical gap in the R&D and assist in developing the solutions.
• Develop department talent by coaching team members, developing individual development plan and providing timely performance feedback,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of experience in related field is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of product life cycle and commercialization process.
• Proven track record in developing and launching new products.
• Excellent proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite Products.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate team members to achieve goals and deliver results.
• Knowledge of production equipment and applicable uses. As well as ingredient functionality and usage.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving capability with a keen attention to detail.
• Thorough knowledge of USDA and FDA requirements and impact on product development and production.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and to manage multiple ongoing project obligations simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with the cross-function teams and senior leadership teams effectively.

Education

• MA/MS/MBA or equivalent is preferred.
• Meat Science, Dairy Science, Animal Science or Food Science.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range posted represents the low and high end of OSI’s salary range for this position. The salary range for this role is $158,208.00 to $237,312.00 USD, with a midpoint of $197,760 . Offers are typically made between the minimum and midpoint of the range, based on skills, experience, and internal equity. In rare cases, highly qualified candidates may receive an offer above the midpoint; however, offers at the maximum of the range are not customary. Salaries will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, experience and performance. Base salary is one component of OSI’s overall total rewards package. Other components may include bonuses, special pay programs, comprehensive time off, 401k with match and a full suite of benefit offerings for you and your family.

Work Environment

• Work is generally performed within a business professional office environment, with standard office equipment available.
• Work conditions are typical of a food manufacturing facility.
• This role requires 30% domestic travel.
• Position may require the physical agility of lifting up to 50 pounds
• Position may require frequent and/or infrequent bending, squatting, pushing, pulling, stretching/reaching, use hands or fingers, talk, hear, feel objects, tools, controls, and standing/walking on concrete flooring.
• Position may require the physical ability to stand/walk for Greater than 4 hours.
• Will be exposed to the touch, feel, and taste of beef, poultry, turkey, dairy, fish, and the standard allergens (milk, egg, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat, and soy) .