Research \u0026 Development Manager at Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc. in Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Job Description:

The Research & Development (R&D) Manager role involves leading a team of direct reports while also managing individual project responsibilities. Reporting to the Senior Manager of R&D, this position is instrumental in driving the innovation and commercialization of new products and technologies, thereby contributing to the long-term growth of Simmons Foods.

The R&D Manager ensures that R&D projects meet internal and external customer requirements for time, scope, and cost. This role requires staying current with the latest market trends in foods and pet foods, identifying opportunities for innovation that benefit both the company and its customers.

The R&D Manager should be proficient in both product and process development and is responsible for developing new products and improving existing ones. This role takes a leading role in innovation and technology initiatives to support customer needs and achieve strategic business objectives.

This role will oversee Co-Pack product.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - This is a Salary Exempt position

Portfolio Management: Optimize and balance projects to meet both short-term and long-term needs, supporting strategic business objectives while considering resource limitations. Ensure a balanced approach between new and replacement projects, addressing both internal and external customer needs. Identify technical knowledge gaps and establish plans to address them. Maintain a robust innovation pipeline, transitioning from customer-driven to proactive innovation by developing prototypes for review.

Project Management: Ensure adherence to the New Product Development (NPD) process by team members, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for success. Monitor project performance against agreed-upon timing and cost parameters established at project initiation. Compile post-market reviews, including analytical results, consumer feedback, and product marketplace performance, to assess project success. Implement problem-solving techniques and countermeasures in future projects to foster continuous improvement and quality by design.

Technical Leadership: Competent in the full length of the product development cycle, which includes conceptual development, formulation, implementation, commercialization, process validation, and continuous management and improvement. This individual will work closely with the technical staff of customers or suppliers, mentoring junior and senior scientists. Oversee the research, development, and evaluation of products, including conducting nutritional, sensory, and shelf-life studies. This involves gathering data, performing analysis, and compiling comprehensive reports and recommendations. Develop an innovative platform that leverages market data and insights, as well as the expertise of the cross-functional team, to enhance project quality from the outset of development.

Participate in evaluating new equipment that could differentiate the company's products or is necessary for achieving new product targets in the marketplace. Maintain a portfolio of prototypes, photographs, and presentations that showcase the company's processing capabilities and product appearance. Stay informed about technological advancements in the meat, food, and pet food industries.

Process, Operations and Supply Chain Support: Leads and support supply chain initiatives, including formula transfers between plants, evaluation of new raw material suppliers, and adjustments to the usage of existing raw materials. Assess processing parameters, assist in process evaluation and develop a thorough understanding of critical process points and troubleshooting guidelines. Summarize the results of previous tests and sequential processing conditions for specific formulas to aid in troubleshooting and data interpretation.

Department Management and Training: Work closely with staff to develop and coach individuals for superior performance. Provide training on best practices, including relevant formulation fundamentals, effective software utilization, and guidelines for conducting research studies. Conduct team meetings to foster cohesiveness within the Technical Services group and to create training opportunities.

Participates as a member of the Team: Participate in the ongoing development, communication, and implementation of team concepts, programs, and policies, ensuring coordination and best practices among all team members. Attend appropriate team meetings. Foster strong cohesiveness on all major issues, including direction, annual plans, budgets, and policy changes. Take responsibility for identifying any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader, and working supportively with the team to resolve issues. Actively seek and reinforce actions needed to achieve synergy within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide activities and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function, nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position. Commitment to quality and continuous improvement in all aspects of the business is essential.

Physical Activities: Must be able to work on the computer for an extensive amount of time. Must be able to stand or walk for many hours in any of our production facilities.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment.

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities, worksites or customer visits, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 30% travel.

Technical Experience: 7+ years' experience in product or process development, or a technical services role is required, particularly in food or pet food. Experience requirements commensurate with education. Problem-solving, decision making, conceptual and project management skills are essential.

Industry Experience: R&D knowledge and experience in food or pet food. Experience in commercial product development in the food & pet food industry is preferred, as well as knowledge of meat/poultry science, animal nutrition and food formulation. Must have leadership qualities and flexibility with respect to job requirements.

Minimum Education: B.S. in Meat Science, Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, or Food Science. Experience requirements are commensurate with education. Knowledge of animal nutrition and food formulation and thermal process is highly desirable. Experience in commercial product and/or process development is required.