Sr. Product Development - Innovation

Job Description:

The position is responsible to support innovation across emerging categories mainly leveraging external manufacturing capabilities. The candidate will work cross-functionally to provide technical support for new products, lead new product and process development, all while maintaining quality design and delivering desired product performance to both the consumer and pet. This position is also responsible to coach, mentor and help develop more junior associates. The Ideal candidate thrives In a dynamic environment, demonstrating adaptability to change and comfort navigating through ambiguity..

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's in Engineering, Food Science, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or science related technical field
• 5 years in R&D, Engineering or product development in Food, Beverage or CPG company.
• Approximately 25-35% travel

• Master's/PhD in Engineering or Food Science
• 8+ years in R&D or Engineering development
• 3+ Experience in developing and launching consumer products in CPG and/or Pet Food Industries with a focus In product and process In Innovation
• Strong knowledge of applicable petfood technologies, product platforms and the manufacturing processes used to produce feed and petfood ingredients.
• Strong knowledge of product and process development from bench top to full scale production.
• Demonstrated excellence in project management and capability to lead cross functional projects with significant business Impact.
• Intellectually curious to find and develop opportunities.
• Ability to communicate and transfer technical knowledge to others in various forms (presentations, written reports, emails, training)
• Anticipates issues and develops and recommends product or process improvements accordingly.
• Strong track record of successfully managing change and navigating ambiguity, showcasing the ability to adapt and excel in evolving innovation environments

• Skilled at asking the right questions and acquiring data from multiple and diverse sources when solving problems while balancing pros and cons of different solution options

• Understands Internal and external stakeholder requirements, expectations and needs, balancing the Interests of multiple stakeholders
• Readily takes action on challenges, Identifying and seizing opportunities
• Problem solves at high level, deliver on solutions that may Include Internal and external options and present these back to senior leaders.
• Works with project managers to ensure projects are within timeline and managed within the necessary stage gate process.
• Support new ways of working with co-manufacturers. Partner with teams to engage with strategic external partnerships for the development of new product experiences.
• Lead the translation of consumer insights into holistic concepts (product and process).
• Will own product and process development In collaboration with co-manufacturers to accelerate development.
• Use appropriate tools to facilitate concept and prototype evaluation (creation and presentation).
• Contribute product design expertise to unit, regional, and global communities for the pet food segment.
• Mentor and coach more junior R&D associates.

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.