Director of Product Development - Protein at Griffith Foods in ALSIP, Illinois

Job Description:

Summary: Leads GFUS R&D implementation of technical, regulatory, formula security, and talent management programs to support the overall Protein Processor Segment and Protein product category business strategy. Directs R&D activities by performing the following duties personally, through a designate, or through subordinate supervisors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Functions as a team leader for the development and execution of key technical strategies and activities that support the overall Griffith Foods Protein Segment and Protein (traditional and plant based) product category business strategy.


• Applies scientific and engineering principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and utilization of foods.


• Collaborates with Supply Chain to link product formulation activities to commercial fulfillment efficiencies and production of safe and regulatory compliant food products.


• Collaborates with Sales and Marketing peers to assign, manage, and prioritize projects for key accounts.


• Defines and implements R&D and Regulatory processes and metrics to improve efficiencies and effectiveness of function.


• Identifies and supports implementation of Innovation technologies that support the long-term strategy of the organization.


• Defines and implements talent management program for the Protein R&D team.


• Establishes goals, appraises performance, recommends training, and provides input into final review for all direct reports. Coaches staff on job performance and career planning.


• Communicates progress of all products under development. Leverages methods and procedures for monitoring project success, such as metrics, resource investment and expenditures, research findings, progress reports, and staff conferences.


• Leads key department initiatives. Leads or participates in cross-functional initiatives.


• Represents Griffith Foods R&D in professional business relationships with GFUS client and supplier base, academia, government, and corporations in the food industry.


• Responsible for maintaining and enhancing the security of all information regarding product formulas and related confidential information.


• Directs reviews and audits to provides regular reports and recommendations to management regarding formula security performance.


• Implements contingency plan for coverage of key R&D roles if an associate is unable to perform their assigned duties.

Knowledge & Experience:

• MS in Food Science or Meat Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry or related technical degree.


• 10-15 years of Research & Development experience within the meat industry.


• Experience with retail or foodservice manufacturer and extensive experience in collaborating directly with customers and manufacturing facilities.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Strong leadership qualities.


• Strong analytics, grammar and writing skills.


• Demonstrated exceptional project management skills/experience.


• Must be organized and detail oriented with an ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.


• Travel 30-50%

• MS in Food Science or Meat Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry or related
  technical degree.


• 10-15 years of Research & Development experience within the meat industry.


• Experience with retail or foodservice manufacturer and extensive experience in
  working directly with customers and manufacturing facilities.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Strong leadership qualities.


• Strong analytics, grammar and writing skills.


• Demonstrated exceptional project management skills/experience.

§  Must be organized and detail oriented with an ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

§  Travel 30-50%.