Sr. Manager, R&D Product Development
Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Inc.

Job Info

---

Job Posting Title

Sr. Manager, R&D Product DevelopmentPosition Summary

Position Summary:

Ways You Will Make a Difference:

• Lead R&D development and execution of Key Innovation, Renovation, Repatriation and Technical Brand Stewardship (i.e. Quality, Productivity, etc.) Projects within Sugar Agenda to support Ferrara's Annual Operation calendars and innovation pipelines
• Lead a team of R&D engineers & development scientists (jr. to sr. members), proactively influence in all technical aspects of the existing brands e.g. White Space Ideation, Concept Development & Rapid Prototyping, NPD Briefs, completing stage gates activities (from ideation to launch), generating process specifications and investigating quality issues
• Work effectively with cross functional partners in the Ferrara Sugar Organization (Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Procumbent, Quality, 3rd party co-manufacturers, etc.) to ensure an efficient and successful project initiation, progression and execution
• Leverage a combination of functional and business expertise to shape and develop the technical elements of winning consumer propositions that drive sustainable business growth
  

Experiences That Will Support Your Success

• BS. / MSc. graduate in a Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, etc.
• Minimum of 12+ years of proven experience in FMCG R&D, innovation, product, process or technology development roles, successful track & proven experience in product/process development and executing & launching products to market
• Passion for creativity and innovation within a commercially driven environment
• Strives for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail
• Excellent people & project management skills to effectively & efficiently drive a complex program(s)
• Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving FMCG environments
• Strong understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution
• Deep understanding in Chemical Engineering, Food Science and Manufacturing
• In-depth analytical skills to interpret complex data and distil into meaningful information
• Very good attention to detail, highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office)
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence with integrity through persuasive communication to win support at more senior levels within R&D and Cross Functional areas (Marketing, 3rd party co-manufacturers, Operations, Supply Chain, Procumbent, Quality, etc.) to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from different levels, backgrounds and cultures
• Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practice and solutions developed elsewhere
• Fosters a positive, inclusive work environment where people feel respected and valued for their contributions, especially capable of working cross culturally
• Supports people to build their skills and empowers others to act and think in ways that will get the job done
• Whilst the role is day based at one location, willing to work flexible hours on occasion and travel as necessary
• Valid driving license
• Availability to travel between 25-40% according to priorities & program/projects(s) requirements
  

Skills That Will Make You Successful?

Technical/Functional Depth in area of Food/Confectionery

• Strong experience in the Food/Confectionery CPG world desired, from idea inception (White space Ideation) to Commercialization.
• Ability to quickly understand new areas of ingredients & technology, and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical communities
• Able to 'zoom in/zoom out' on technical challenges to provide guidance at every level from project team to key senior leadership stakeholders
  

Setting the Agenda

• Really strong program(s) / project(s) management skills experience, covering product & process development within FMCG environment
• Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment, innovation cycles and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to successfully lead and coach a team of R&D development scientists (jr. to sr. members), as well as influencing with integrity through persuasive communication to win support at more senior levels within R&D and Cross Functional areas (Marketing, 3rd party co-manufacturers, Operations, Supply Chain, Procumbent, Quality, etc.), build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from different levels, backgrounds and cultures
• Robust ability to explain complex technical issues / solutions to a non-technical audience
• Quickly analyses complex problems to find actionable pragmatic solutions and constructive action plan
  

Collaboration & Taking Others with You

• Able to inspire passion around shared goals with direct reports and colleagues
• Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practice and solutions developed elsewhere
• Proactively shares information, best practices and ideas within R&D (including previous experiences)
• Values different perspectives and experiences and establishes trust and mutual respect when working with other people regardless of professional or cultural background
• Adopt a positive, inclusive work environment where people feel respected and valued for their contributions
• Supports people to build their skills and empowers others to act and think in ways that will get the job done
• Supports an environment of achievement, recognition and celebration
  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

This job has expired.