Manager, Research & Development

The J.M. Smucker Company; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company is seeking a Manager, Pet Research & Development in Orrville, OH. Lead a hybrid team of product developers and engineers to create and improve Soft & Chewy Dog Snacks, guiding projects from study requests through launch.

The role demands advanced degrees in Food Science or Engineering and 7+ years in food R&D, with strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills; travel up to 20% is required.

Qualifications

• BS, MS or Ph.D in Food Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in R&D in the Food Industry.
• Experience in Extrusion, Baking, or Dehydration processes.
• Strong collaboration skills with internal/external partners.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to stakeholders.
• Thrives in a changing, fast-paced environment with multiple projects.
• Willing to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of R&D product developers and process engineers to deliver new product initiatives and refine existing products.
• Translate consumer and project needs into objectives and success criteria.
• Build, coach, and support the development of direct reports on technologies, tools, and methods for formulation and process development.
• Leverage Food Science and Processing knowledge to guide projects and partners.
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships and influence decisions using data.
• Anticipate challenges via Pet R&D and Enterprise strategy and develop mitigation plans.
• Set priorities, define work, allocate resources, and set expectations for the team.
• Take ownership of decisions and manage risks to improve performance.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collab

Effective communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Adaptability

Travel up to 20%

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Food Science or Engineering

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Manager, Pet Research & Development

Responsible for managing and leading a high performing hybrid team of product developers and engineers for our Soft & Chewy Dog Snacks. This leadership role will be responsible for identifying, defining, formulating, developing, and commissioning / qualification of product and processing capabilities & technologies for Innovation (study request through launch), Renovation, Design to Value, as well as Business Continuity initiatives in the Pet Business.

Location: Orrville, OH

Work Arrangements: hybrid, 50% or more in office expectations with 20% travel anually

In this role you will:

• Lead and develop a team of R&D product developers and process engineers at various levels to deliver & launch new product initiatives and refining existing products and processes focused primarily on Soft & Chewy Dog Snacks.
• Translate consumers', customers', and projects' needs to objectives, learning plan and success criteria.
• Build, coach, and support the development of direct reports on technologies, tools, methods, and approaches for formulation and process development, validation and qualification. This includes, but not limited to: Technical Learning Plan, Experimental Design, Product Brief, Technical Readiness, Product Specifications, Process Capability, etc.
• Leverage mastery of Food Science and Food Processing technologies to influence, inform & guide projects and business partners (internal and external).
• Build strong, collaborative relationships within Pet R&D and with cross-functional partners (Packaging, Analytical, Quality, Co-man, Operations, TSO, Brand, Innovation, Regulatory/Legal, Finance, etc). Influence & guide stakeholders utilizing data to drive recommendations.
• Understand Pet R&D and Enterprise-wide strategy to anticipate challenges and proactively develop mitigation plans to address.
• Determine priorities, define the work, manage resource allocation, and set expectations for team members to deliver against the business and Pet R&D objectives.
• Take ownership of decisions and broad implications. Appropriately challenge decisions and take calculated risks within own decision-making authority to improve performance, utilizing various types of data/inputs.

What we are looking for:

Minimum requirements:

• BS, MS or Ph.D in Food Science, Engineering, or related field

• 7+ years of relevant experience in R&D or Technical Services in the Food Industry
• Experience in Extrusion, Baking, or Dehydration processes
• Strong collaboration skills and experience partnering internally and externally
• Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders both internal and external to the Company
• Ability to thrive in a changing and fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Willing to embrace changing business priorities and ambiguity
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated skills in critical thinking, scientific methods, and analysis/interpretation of data
• Ability to prioritize projects and resources
• Up to 20% Travel required

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We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

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We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.