Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

 

Purpose Statement

Rich Products is growing and transforming. We are embracing technology and driving innovation across the enterprise to better empower our associates and provide enhanced services and products to all our customers. As part of this initiative, our world-class Research & Development team has undergone a significant reorganization and is now known as Research, Innovation & Compliance (RIC).

The RIC team is expanding and we’re currently looking for a Vice President for our Center of Excellence (COE) in Toppings, Creams and Culinary Solutions (TCCS) business.

In this Global role, you are a key senior leader within the RIC team and in Rich’s organization, playing a pivotal role in driving TCCS initiatives across the enterprise organization. A steering team member of the TCCS Enterprise business unit, you help to create and drive the development and implementation of the global TCCS strategic initiatives to deliver business goals.
In the COE you will lead a connected global network of dynamic, highly talented scientist, engineers and RIC professionals. This network proactively identifies and leads in creating innovation platforms for TCCS including, aseptic/UHT processing, product, packaging, and technology. By doing so this role will drive customer value and a competitive edge to enable the enterprise to meet its financial targets for revenue, innovation, grwoth and margin globally. 

You are the RIC TCCS process owner, collaborating with key stakeholders, and driving the reinvention of the TCCS product portfolio through the prioritization and successful deployment of differentiated and highly relevant offerings to the market, championing “lift and adapt”, the use of leading-edge innovation approaches and models to drive business growth and propelling the company forward in a rapidly evolving landscape.

You will build technical capabilities to meet the needs of the evolving and growing TCCS business.  This includes identifying and proposing new global propositions as needed, developing, and delivering technical training across the local markets, and investing in the technical development of the global team.

You will participate in the acquisition process and will assist in evaluating acquisition opportunities, conduct due diligence, and execute acquisition transition plans.

You possess a high drive for results, exceptional project management skills, an entrepreneurial growth mindset, and an ability to create strong networks and relationships. You will bring a blend of strategic thinking, technical know-how, and tactical execution to create and implement strategies to define and execute a portfolio of highly complex projects.

We are happy to consider remote candidates for this role, with expected travel of 60%, including domestic and international.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

Innovation Strategy:
o    Champion and lead development and implementation of the global technical strategic direction for RIC TCCS, supporting enterprise business strategy and long-term plans.  
o    Build a talented team of technical experts, and create high levels of Associate engagement, and invest in the career development of global RIC team members.
o    Oversee the development and launch of new products or services, from ideation to market implementation.
o    Builds, explores, and champions the use of new and leading-edge approaches and models to drive business growth that aligns with customer and consumer needs.  
o    Provides management, scientific leadership, and creativity in initiating, designing, and executing the TCCS Innovation Strategy. 
Technology Development & Capacity Expansion:
o    Drives and develops the next generation of product platforms through new scientific and Technology advancement.
o    Delivers standards for current and new technology platforms 
o    Works with Supply to evaluate options for capacity expansion
Team Leadership: 
o    Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team, providing strategic direction, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and guidance to team members.
o    Design and adapt organizational design to meet changing business requirements.
o    Develop and execute an R&D talent management program.
Other:
o    Collaborate with leaders’ enterprise wide, across various departments including marketing, sales, and operations.
o    Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends
o    Identify strategic partnerships and investment opportunities to enhance the organization’s capabilities.
o    Assess and manage risks associated with TCCS projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Required Skills & Qualifications:
o    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field – Food Science, Engineering, Packaging Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field 
o    Proven extensive experience in Leaderships roles +10years
o    Proven expertise in Aseptic Technology.
o    Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
o    Excellent Communication and presentation skills
o    Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change and foster a culture of innovation.
o    Knowledge of emerging technologies and their applications in various industries.
Preferred Skills:
o    PhD in relevant scientific field – Food Science, Engineering, Packaging Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field 
o    Proven Senior Leaderships roles within R&D Innovation teams.
o    Proven expertise in delivering innovation to market

 

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COMPENSATION

In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.

 

Annual Range/Hourly Rate

$212,730.00 - $395,070.00

 

 

 

Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

 

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Human Resources department at hrhelp@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.