Technical Sales & R&D Lead, Dairy Solutions

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc.; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. in Minnesota, USA is seeking a Manager, R&D (Technical Sales) to lead technical initiatives that blend scientific insight with commercial growth. You will bridge Sales, R&D, Operations, Marketing, and customers to translate product capabilities into value-driven solutions.

You will guide product development, evaluate performance, and share findings with senior leaders while mentoring teams and supporting strategic accounts. Travel 30-40% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years in technical sales, technical service, product development, R&D, or related role.
• Strong knowledge of dairy products and dairy ingredients.
• Ability to translate complex technical information into business solutions.
• Proven experience leading customer projects from concept through commercialization.
• Strong business acumen balancing technical and commercial objectives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized with solid project management and prioritization in fast-paced settings.
• Willingness to travel 30-40% for customer visits and events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between Customers, Sales, R&D, Operations, and Technical Services to drive customer satisfaction.
• Lead customer-facing technical initiatives by translating product requirements into actionable solutions.
• Partner with Operations and R&D to support product development and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain customer application, performance, and market intelligence data.
• Evaluate customer quality issues and coordinate cross-functional teams for timely resolution.
• Present technical findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support Sales with technical training and guidance on opportunities.
• Travel to support customer visits and industry events.

Skills

Technical sales

R&D liaison

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Presentation skills

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. in Minnesota, USA is seeking a Manager, R&D (Technical Sales) to lead technical initiatives that blend scientific insight with commercial growth. You will bridge Sales, R&D, Operations, Marketing, and customers to translate product capabilities into value-driven solutions.

You will guide product development, evaluate performance, and share findings with senior leaders while mentoring teams and supporting strategic accounts. Travel 30-40% is required.