Sr. Research & Development Manager Hampshire, IL

PetAg Inc.; Hampshire (IL); On-site; USD 106,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior R&D Manager to lead innovative product development efforts. In this dynamic role, you will manage the research and development process, overseeing laboratory analysis and testing of new ingredients and products. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards while fostering a culture of creativity and growth. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment where your expertise will drive product innovation and enhance operational success. Join a team that values integrity, partnership, and pride in their work!

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short- and Long-term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Account

Pet Insurance

Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Qualifications

• 5+ years in product development and managing research methods.
• Experience with FDA and USDA regulatory frameworks required.

Responsibilities

• Manage R&D processes and oversee product development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance.

Skills

Product Development

Cross-functional Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field

Master's degree in a scientific field

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Regulatory Frameworks (FDA, USDA, FSMA)

Job description

At PBI-Gordon Companies, and our subsidiaries PBI-Gordon Corporation, Pegasus Laboratories, and PetAg, Inc, our priority is people, pets, and the places they go. As employee owners, we support each other in building our careers as well as our companies. Our foundation is rooted in integrity, innovation, partnership, and pride. Come grow with us!

Summary:

Senior R&D Manager will manage the research and development process responsible for development and improvement of products, including laboratory analysis and evaluation of new and current ingredients and products, as well as performing any and all laboratory testing and analysis on new or innovative ingredients and products. This person will oversee and conduct benchtop, scale up, and all other testing associated with new and innovative ingredients and products, as well as manage daily production formulas to ensure up to date ingredient analysis. This role will provide cross-functional support for Operations and Quality as a technical subject matter expert. As the sub-unit lead you will manage the R&D technicians, oversee and develop SOPs, and serve as the back up to the Director of R&D when needed.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement research and development strategies and initiatives.
• Oversee the research and development team, providing guidance, support and growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, sales and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.
• Monitor, research and analyze industry trends to identify new ingredients and product opportunities.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies, methodologies, and techniques into the research and development processes.
• Prepare and present reports on project concepts, progress and outcomes.
• Foster a culture based on company values, creativity, collaboration and continued growth and learning.
• All other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a scientific field, such as animal science, food science, microbiology or related fields.
• 5+ years of experience in product development pipeline, managing and overseeing research methods to improve and develop products, overseeing projects from design to execution, and working cross functionally with marketing.
• 3+ years’ experience in managing a technical team.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration with production, R&D, supply chain, and regulatory teams.
• Experience working with FDA, USDA, FSMA, AAFCO, and/or GFSI regulatory frameworks.
• Human or animal food / feed product development required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Ability to work in a high energy, fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated analytic, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Travel required in this position: 0-10%.

The pay range for this role considers a wide range of factors including but not limited to: skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, geographical location, and other organizational needs.

The estimated pay range for this role is $106,913 Min to $160,369 Max per year.

Additionally, you will be eligible to participate in a bonus incentive program associated with this specific role.

PBI-Gordon Companies and its subsidiaries are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees who work 30 hours per week or more. Full-time employees will become eligible to participate in benefits on the first of the month following their start date, unless stated otherwise below.

Medical Insurance

We are committed to helping you and your dependents maintain health and wellness by offering voluntary, competitive medical insurance and prescription drug plan options.

Choose from two voluntary dental plans that are designed to help protect you and your dependents’ oral health.

Vision Insurance

Our voluntary vision insurance plan is designed to help protect you and your dependents eye health. Coverage is available for eye exams, frames, lenses, and contact lenses. Employee owners are responsible for 100% of the cost of this plan.

Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

We offer a company-paid $50,000 life insurance policy with AD&D. You also have the opportunity to purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for yourself, your spouse and/or your dependent children. The cost for this coverage is based on the amount you elect and your age.

Short- and Long-term Disability

Our company-paid short-term and long-term disability plans to provide income replacement in the event you are not able to work due to illness or injury. Short-term disability will provide 70% income replacement up to $1,350 per week and long-term disability will provide 60% income replacement up to $5,000 per month.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP Services are company paid to benefit all employee-owners and their families. EAP provides up to six free counseling sessions to help you and your family members manage life stressors, solve personal or relationship concerns, and achieve your goals.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Flexible Spending Plans offer employee-owners the option to set aside pre-tax monies into a medical reimbursement or dependent care account to help pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental or vision expenses or day care costs. The maximum contributions are determined by the IRS and adjusted annually. This is a use-it-or-lose-it account, meaning any funds remaining in the account following the close of the plan year will be forfeited.

Pet Insurance

We love our pets! Pet insurance options for your furry friends is offered through the ASPCA. Employee-owners can enroll and pay premiums directly to ASPCA.

Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off (PTO)

Everyone needs time off to rest and recharge! Paid time off includes Regular PTO, Personal PTO, and specified paid company holidays. The amount of paid time off (PTO) depends upon the employee's position and years of service.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

We act like we own the company because we do! An ESOP provides employees with an ownership stake in the company. It’s an additional form of compensation directly tied to PBI-Gordon Companies financial success. All regular employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP the first of the month following 30 days of service. PBI-Gordon Companies contributes approximately 18% of total compensation annually with a six-year vesting schedule. Our ESOP is more than a benefit, it is a key part of a culture, and it can provide significant rewards in retirement!

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. We offer a 401(k)-retirement savings plan to assist employees with this important financial goal. New employee owners are eligible to participate the first of the month following 30 days of employment. We provide a company match of 100% up to 3% deferral with a three-year vesting schedule.

Fitness Reimbursement

We believe regular exercise helps improve overall health and job performance. PBI-Gordon will reimburse up to a maximum of $300 annually for gym/fitness memberships.

Children or grandchildren of employee-owners may apply for a scholarship under the William Everett & Mary Ellen Mealman scholarship fund. Applicants are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, and involvement in extracurricular/community activities.

Tuition Reimbursement

After one full year of employment, employee-owners are eligible for tuition reimbursement for bachelor’s level coursework related to their current job or any future job offered at PBI-Gordon Companies.

Company paid parental leave is offered to employee-owners following the birth of a child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption, foster care, or surrogacy. This policy will run concurrently with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, as applicable.

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Employment is contingent upon and may not begin until the successful completion of a pre-employment background and drug screen.

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