PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position will be responsible for providing the technical leadership to create and successfully implement all new products and process improvements for projects at Del Monte Fresh North America. The role will work closely with Marketing, Operations, Quality Assurance and Sales teams to commercialize a diverse portfolio of projects and will objectively evaluate, from a technical perspective, their market viability and impact to the business. In addition, this position will play a role in concept generation and vetting, and will act as a technical resource for internal and external stakeholders.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Leads the technical development of new product innovation projects and process improvement projects that meet company quality, profit and growth targets.
• Interfaces heavily with other departments to ensure project objectives are being met, timelines are being adhered to and if needed, re-establish priorities and timelines.
• Plans, coordinates and oversees technical team activities to assure product and process development projects meet project and company objectives.
• Ensure overall compliance with regulations, as well as support of conceptual plans aligning with strategy and brand integrity.
• Approves and determines technical package requirements including rigid tray and flexible film specifications, shelf life and use by dates and nutrition panel development for all products.
• Identify emerging technology, food trends and provide guidance and execution for their development into process improvements and/or new products.
• Work with vendors, equipment suppliers, outside agencies and professional organizations to develop new business opportunities and solutions to technical and product problems
• Provide necessary leadership, motivation and training to R&D team to meet the business objectives and provide professional growth to team members.

MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED:

• MS in Food Science/Food Engineering or related scientific field. Strong candidates with a BS will be considered.
• At least 10 years prior experience in a food (or similar) lab and/or food production environment with experience in Food Safety and Government Regulatory agencies (FDA, USDA)
• Demonstrated experience as a leader and decision maker.
• Strong communication, problem solving, interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Proven track record in developing new products and processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Excel, Word and Outlook, etc.).
• Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods.
• Flexibility to travel as needed.

DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE IS AN EEO/AA/V/H  

Required Skills Required Experience

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 RRD IS AN EEO/AA INCLUDING VETS AND DISABLED EMPLOYER