Vice President - Research & Development - Pet - Del Monte Foods - Terminal Island

Job description
Reports To: Sr. Vice President, R&D and Innovation

Broad Function & Scope of the Position:

This position leads the Pet R&D team (all product, process, packaging and ingredient teams) to identify and achieve profitable topline growth for the Company while meeting consumer, customer, corporate and regulatory requirements. Deliver robust cost savings to fund investment in further growth.

Principal Responsibilities:

Has significant responsibility to advance the capacity and capability of DLM generally, and DLM R&D specifically as a member of the R&D leadership team.
Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Pet R&D group to deliver new or revised products/processes to meet Company growth and cost objectives.
Represent R&D to the integrated Pet BU Leadership Team.
Drive continuous improvement in pet innovation efforts with consumer and customer in mind.
Establish goals and priorities and balance people and organization structure by ensuring proper resource allocation to achieve established goals and priorities.
Ensure that all Del Monte products meet consumer needs, regulatory and safety requirements and internal quality standards. Direct the analysis of research project data to ensure that conclusions are scientifically sound and defensible.
Lead the Pet R&D team and manage the Pet Research Center, including all laboratories, expense and capital budgets, people, and equipment.
Stay abreast of technological developments and explore opportunities.
Integrate R&D and Q.A. resources to ensure quality of design and conformance throughout the development and manufacturing process.
Desired Skills and Experience
Education: A Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering or related field

Years of Experience:

20+ years in pet food research and product development and a proven record of technical achievement and ability to manage a technical staff

Special Requirements:

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Solid ethics and value system aligned with Del Monte’s core values.
Knowledge of primary technologies; e.g., various sterilization processes, baking and extrusion technologies
Current experience in the pet food industry or consumer packaged goods industry.
A proven track record of delivering extraordinary results in the leadership and management of well-regarded product development/engineering team
Broad background and knowledge of consumer product and process development, along with project management methods and tracking.
The ability to leverage technical and functional expertise to solve broader business issues.
The ability to create long-term strategies and plans that reflect a thorough understanding of how the business operates.

Leadership & Management Competencies:

Leadership – Have the ability to inspire and guide subordinates toward goal achievement through building trust and credibility within the project teams by acting consistently and fairly while keeping efforts on the company’s direction and/or course of action. Establish clear goals and communicate them well to achieve results.
Teamwork – Encourages cooperation, information sharing, and coordination within the project teams as well as Company Marketing and Manufacturing groups
Managing Change – It is important that this position set the tone and direction that facilitates the product change process
Developing Self and Others – Identifies opportunities to improve and/or develop personal as well as subordinate skill and knowledge base. Recognize developmental needs and coach to improve performance. Provide support for training and other growth opportunities to support career advancement.
Strategic Thinking – The incumbent recognizes opportunities, develops strategies, and utilizes resources to accomplish short and long term goals. This requires the working with other business unit/department leaders to share information and strategies in the planning process
Business Planning & Results – Must develop realistic yet challenging short and long term business objectives and create plans to achieve those goals. This position uses reasoning, facts, and analytical skill to make informed decisions in determining goals.

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