Position Summary:
Responsible for setting the strategy to lead the technical activity required for creating and launching new product Innovation across the assigned categories within the division. This position carries with it the responsibility to mentor team members and grow their capabilities for contributing to the organization while collaborating and managing the efforts of the Innovation team to meet the business goals of the assigned categories and overall company.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Research and Development

Job Posting Title:

Research and Development Innovation Director

Job Description:

Position Responsibilities:

Lead and motivate Cross Functional team and Innovation staff in the culinary, creative and technical aspects of product development through the investigation, planning, execution, evaluating and reporting on new product development, product improvements and troubleshooting feasibility.Act as the Innovation creative and culinary contact to the company for the assigned categoriesResponsible for the Innovation team’s completion of the Innovation high priority projects and critical non-project work. Advise, direct, coach, inspire and review progress to create a cohesive team environmentWork across all functional areas to accomplish business goalsLeader of the Innovation project pipeline review and prioritization systemResponsible for keeping a strategic view of the marketplace and bringing insight to the businessCreate an innovative environment by collaborating with external and internal partners and by managing the group with passion, intellectual curiosity, integrity and trustEvaluate and make recommendations concerning the application of new formulations, process improvements or technologies, and cost savings projectsAssist in development of business goals for divisional team members – individually and collectivelyParticipate in Senior Leadership meetings and provide ideas and expertise on setting goals/direction for the organizationCoordinate and Support Customer Innovation MeetingsOrganize and Participate in Supplier Capability and Innovation Working SessionsDevelop and create high performance organizations aligned with strategic direction of the businessDirect training, education and career development programs to fill department needs and company-wide technical needs for the present and provide a succession plan to accommodate future staffing needsLead through planning and objective setting versus day to day oversight of functional group responsibilitiesAssist with budget planning and be fiscally responsible for delivering on that plan

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list of all tasks. Additional tasks and duties may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by business needs.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Engineering or related field. Culinary degree preferred.Ten years of progressive experience across leadership roles in product development & culinary and food safety in the packaged goods manufacturing industry, preferably in a strategic setting in a mid to large size organizationExcellent communication skills and ability to effectively work, influence, problem solve and communicate at all levels of the organizationAdvanced knowledge of Culinary Arts, Food Science/Food Chemistry and/or Nutrition; knowledge of ingredient functionality/interactions; ability to apply this knowledge in the product development, commercialization and manufacturing process to support business goalsProven track record in people management (developing, coaching, mentoring, directing) with demonstrative teambuilding and collaboration skillsStrong business acumen with an ability to mesh business needs with technical competenciesDemonstrated ability to be well-balanced between the strategic view of the work and execution aspect of the job Must have the ability to adapt to change with proven ability to accelerate the performance of R&D groupsAbility to develop both longer range strategic plans that address key business and technical needs and balance with shorter term operational plans

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.